One thing became clear to Jan Potocki after reading recent reviews of the Chicago adaptation of The Manuscript Found in Saragossa , a work written by his forefather (also named Jan Potocki): "Nobody really knows much about Jan Potocki. Who is this guy?"
The traveler, adventurer, political activist, ethnographer and publisher Jan Potocki (pronounced "Potostki") is a legendary figure in Poland, not least for his literary masterpiece, The Manuscript Found in Saragossa . In an insatiable quest for knowledge, Potocki combined Enlightenment rationalism with a Romantic appetite for the strange and uncanny. Fantastic journeys, political intrigue and arcane scholarship filled a career that can be best described as "Baron Munchausen meets Marco Polo."
Jan-Roman Potocki first learned of Lookingglass' adaptation of his famous forefather's historic novel from friends in Chicago. After researching the work of Lookingglass, he decided to see a performance for himself and use the opportunity to help the American public better understand his family's patriarch. After the show on Dec. 7, Potocki and members of the Lookingglass ensemble will participate in a talkback with the audience to share his reactions to the production and facilitate a broader discovery of the author, his work and his Polish heritage.
The present production has been adapted by Christine Mary Dunford and is based on Ian MacLean's translation of Jan Potocki's feverish, dreamlike ghost story of epic proportions—a wild and fun-filled treasure of characters and situations that reveals much truth about people—dealing with politics, religion, wealth, race and, in general, human nature. This is the tale of Alphonse van Worden who is on his way to join his regiment in Madrid, circa 1739. Along the way, he is diverted to the dreaded mysterious Sierra Morena Mountains where he is detained, confused, tempted (in many ways.) He retells the events over a 66-day period of his dealings with Gypsies, religious zealots, sexual situations, and a search for the truth—revealing the good and bad in each of us. In the end, according to Ms. Dunford (who also directs a sparkling cast) we learn that no matter what else, whatever choices we may make—those in power are in fact those most powerful.
Manuscript
At the Lookingglass Theatre through Dec 11
821 N. Michigan Ave.
Historic Water Tower Water Works, Chicago
Tickets range from $20-$58
312-337-0665 or online at www.lookingglasstheatre.org
Some information for this report was provided by www.forteantimes.com.
Alan Bresloff writes theater reviews in the Chicago area.
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