Joseph Charlatan: The Mysterious Conductor of Danse Macabre in Efteling

Efteling introduces its new attraction, Danse Macabre, as a tribute to the legendary Spookslot, which closed its doors in 2022 after 44 years. At the center of the experience is the mysterious conductor, Joseph Charlatan, who leads visitors into a ghostly world.

The Conductor, Joseph Charlatan: A Ghostly Presence

In Efteling’s new Danse Macabre attraction, the conductor, Joseph Charlatan, plays a pivotal role. Originally designed by Efteling’s legendary creator, Ton van de Ven in 1978 for Spookslot, the character now experiences a modern revival. Van de Ven initially sketched Charlatan as a ghostly figure with a long beard and flowing sleeves, wielding a baton in his right hand to conduct the eerie melody of the famous piece Danse Macabre. This original vision forms the basis for the present-day portrayal of the conductor, brought to life by Jeroen Verheij, the designer of the new attraction.

Reviving the Spirit of Spookslot

Jeroen Verheij took inspiration from Ton van de Ven’s iconic sketch, adding new details to Joseph Charlatan while maintaining the essence of the original design. The modern Charlatan now wears a stylish white vest and jacket, making him stand out even more. Most strikingly, his position within the attraction is truly remarkable: floating in front of a massive organ, he conducts the Danse Macabre, bringing the choir benches to life as they move to the haunting tune. The conductor serves as the central thread of the attraction, with the eerie melody enhancing the overall atmosphere.

Verheij expressed his excitement about the realization of the character: “With Danse Macabre’s melody as the central theme, it was clear to me from the start that the conductor had to play a prominent role in the new attraction. I am convinced that by bringing Ton van de Ven’s sketch to life, we’ve created a wonderful tribute to Spookslot and its designer.”

Joseph Charlatan, immortalized in literature

Joseph Charlatan’s importance is not limited to the attraction itself. The character also plays a key role in the book Danse Macabre – Het Begin, written by Paul van Loon. The book, set to be released on October 22nd as a deluxe hardcover edition, delves deeper into the background of the mysterious events leading up to the present-day Danse Macabre attraction. Written for readers aged 9 and up, the story offers a spooky introduction to the world of Efteling’s latest thrill.

Van Loon describes the nerve-wracking events that unfolded before the haunting in the abandoned abbey. Fittingly, Charlatan is featured on the book’s cover, dressed in his full conductor’s attire, mirroring his imposing appearance in the attraction. This ensures that the conductor becomes a key figure both in the literary world and in the physical experience of Danse Macabre.

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