Reverie of the Bestiaries

Reverie of the Bestiaries is an invitation to wonder, empathy, and letting go of certainty. Step into this dreamlike world and allow yourself to be enchanted.

Enter a mesmerising, dreamlike realm where reality and imagination merge. In a transparent, circular pavilion, right among the audience, Ana Lekše brings a unique 360° experience to life through a fascinating blend of aerial acrobatics, hair suspension, and shadow theatre. Inspired by medieval bestiaries, the story follows a young girl on her journey through a mysterious world filled with wondrous creatures. These figures are more than mere fantasy: they reflect her deepest fears, desires, and instincts.

Light, shadow, and movement continuously transform the space. What first seems hidden suddenly appears, while what is clear begins to fade. The result is a magical experience in which nothing is fixed, and each viewer’s imagination creates its own narrative. Every spectator sees something different in the shadows, perhaps even the opposite of someone else.

About Ana Lekše

Ana Lekše is a multidisciplinary circus artist, costume designer, and art historian from Ljubljana, now based in Leuven. She specialises in aerial acrobatics using rope, silks, hoop, and hair suspension, combining these with puppetry, physical theatre, and contemporary circus. Inspired by art history and traditional folklore, she creates rich visual worlds. She is a core member of the aerial collective Lyapunov, teaches at Cirkus in Beweging and Circolito, and works as a costume designer. She has also collaborated with companies such as Circus Ronaldo and Collectif Curieux, and has performed at festivals including CIRKL, de Gentse Feesten, and Winterlicht

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author and performer Ana Lekše lighting design Benjamin Eugène music David Roussel rigging Johan Wuyts (Lyapunov) scenography Joris Janssens (Cirque Mecanique) schaduwtheater – external eye Irena and Anže Virant (with Zavod Bufeto) external eye Hazel Lam en Danny Ronaldo costumes and puppets Ana Lekše promotional material Marjolijn Midori en Urša Prek production manager Marie Cauwenberg supported by CIRKLABO, De Grote Post, Circus werkplaats Dommelhof, De Maan, Mira Miro, Per Podium, Vlaanderen verbeelding werkt en Zavod Bufeto photo Johan Wuyts