My friend Bendini is in Edinburgh performing for one week only. Unfortunately this bizarre gentleman has failed to provide me with a time or a venue (I’m chiding you gentle sir!).
I will update this post when he does get in touch, and tell you a bit more about him. He is truly a variety performer, with a mix of contortion, sword-swallowing, sideshow, juggling, acrobalance, and showmanship.
In the meantime, he and I have spent some happy hours discussing great acts from history. He introduced me to this sideshow character who I had never heard of: Hadji Ali. I must say it has been a long time since I saw such originality, and an act I think could not be performed in this era.
Take the time to make yourself a tea or coffee before watching this video. I promise it will be worth the time taken to sit down and enjoy it. Perhaps in a future post we can track down some history on this strange and titanic act of physical control. If you already have some, then point it out in comments below. I’d love to hear more!
What is inside this man?
