This production is a unique exhibition that was set in motion years ago. The experiences of shows like “Public Circus – World Sensation” (1995), and “Circus Minimus” (2000) as well as extensive research into the genre of circus generated the idea of a „sideshow”, alias “freak show”. The spectacle-spirited performance, this “Boka-kind of Plasztikon” first came to life in 1999, and was presented at various festivals with great success. In the tent-confined labyrinth the spectators found themselves within an arm’s length distance with the “horrible beings” (dwarf, mermaid, bearded woman, Siamese twins, etc.). The surreal atmosphere lured audiences by hundreds.

Based on the expertise gained on the Plasztikon shows, also upon the request of the Contemporary Art Festival of Székesfehérvár, in 2003 „PERFORATIUM – alias the naked truth in a peephole point of view: a peep show” production was created. The one of a kind installation was specifically founded on human curiosity, the peeping. The grotesque acting and the assortment of strange interiors are hard to define, but left a deep impression in the spectators. The unusual acquaintance of theatre and fine art, the crumbling condition of the building where the show was performed, the music band on the balcony, the fusion of lights and shadows generated a unique, exceptional atmosphere. Due to the complexity of the installation’s structure, as well as the large size of the cast, Perforatium was presented only two more times, nevertheless with great success.

As even their titles reveal, “PERFORNITORIUM – a.k.a., the truth is in the wardrobe” is very much linked to Perforatium, but now the “hole-collection” is set in furniture. The exhibition “PUBLIC CIRCUS – WORLD SENSATION, the last days in the life of Mahhmud Pasa…etc.” is part of the line of productions that were purposely created for Mediawave Festival in the past years. The show attempts to communicate with an unusually innovative approach to exemplify the ambiance of the street-performances of the last 15 years. The creators intended to expose human notions and emotions in a hilarious manner, and the notes of visitors confirm that it was accomplished. The old, antique, sometimes originally hideous wardrobes have transformed to reveal a whole new significance with their new exteriors. They practically incite the viewers to peek, to explore and to uncover all that is hidden in the bottom of the drawers. The furniture pieces become “living things”, and despite their flamboyant exterior, their secrets are simple. The curious spectators must face themselves, since all of us try to hide something from the world (that should be exposed), and it is something that is human, it is pure, and it is private.

Concept and design: Gábor Boka Collaborators in production: Gabriella Makhult, Polett Dus, Anna Holló, Boglárka Nagy, Gabriella Cellár, Ildikó Somody, Viktória Bujtás, Félix Benke, Márton Walch, Róbert Kerényi, Vörös Borisz, Vogronics Zsuzsa, Mosberger Róbert

Associates in realization: Jenő Hartyándi, Katharina Roters, József Szolnoki, Szabolcs Urbán, Gábor Deésy, Zsolt Fodor Supplier of wardrobes: Kálmán Pál, Antik Depo – Enese