REVIEW: THE KASPAR HAUSER EXPERIMENT at The Space 17 Oct - 21 Oct 2023

‘Haunting, immersive and memorable theatre – a wonder to behold’ ★★★★★ 

Kasper Hauser, if you haven’t heard of him before, was a real person. In 1828, a young man turned up in the town square of Nuremberg, Germany, claiming to have been kept as a prisoner in a darkened cellar for 17 years. Yet, he could speak and attracted the attention of several key individuals, all fascinated and perplexed by this savant. Already the subject of a 1974 film by German director, Werner Herzog (The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser) this theatrical treatment by the talented Manchester-based theatre company, animikii set up in 2014 by Adam Davies and Henry McGrath, present a memorable theatre experience: immersive, innovative and haunting; a wonder to behold.

The play starts before you are seated. As Kasper, our protagonist sits legs akimbo, at his easel, skittishly daubing with an intense, glassy-eyed expression, the audience are already part of the story and ‘the experiment’ has begun. Key props are sequestered between the seating and the audience becomes part of the narrative. It’s one thing to tell a story in a linear way but quite another to offer something layered, open and nuanced, to transport the audience to another time and place and make them feel what is happening almost on a cellular level.  

This piece of theatre reflects not only an enthralling story that has grown in myth and legend, but also on the integrity of the director (Adam Davies) and ensemble cast who use acting, their bodies, song and original music composed by Charles Sandford (who plays Kaspar) to recreate not simply a retelling of the story but the evocation of multiple narratives, perspectives and theories. This polyphonic approach reflects on the Kasper character: Who was he? A wild boy? A pure angel? A genius? Prince? Fraud? Yet, while conveying this fascinating tale, it also meditates on the nature of storytelling itself.

It’s no surprise to learn this piece was first hatched four years ago. Over which time it has been developed, refined and perfected and shines like a jewel. It made the hairs on the back of my neck lift and I was completely swept up in this riveting, strange mystery, beautifully written and powerfully realised. This unique performance will not be easily forgotten and sets a benchmark for what experimental theatre can achieve with creativity, discipline and commitment. It deserves to be seen by many more people.

THE KASPAR HAUSER EXPERIMENT at The Space Theatre 17 Oct - 21 Oct 2023

Box office: https://space.org.uk/event/the-kaspar-hauser-experiment/

Produced by ANIMIKII THEATRE | Manchester & UK



Reviewed by Nilgin Yusuf