The reputedly unforgettable circus sideshow performer named The Enigma, will deliver a shockingly outrageous performance in Cape Coral this Monday.
The Enigma is the alias of the Seattle-born Paul Lawrence who has dramatically changed his appearance by tattooing 100 percent of his skin with jigsaw puzzle pieces, having horn implants put on his head and piercing different appendages on his body.
On Monday afternoon from noon to 8 p.m. he will host a meet-and-greet at the Tattoo Artistry at 861 S.E. 47 Terrace. Fans or those interested in meeting The Enigma are not only allowed to shake his hand but get a custom designed tattoo of his trademark puzzle pieces.
“It isn’t a formal meet-and-greet with people standing in line,” said Jamie Donaldson, manager of Tattoo Artistry. “He is coming in and is going to be tattooing in the shop. If they want to shake his hand or talk to him they can do that as well.”
After The Enigma finishes at the shop sometime after 8 p.m., he will perform live at Eddie Fishbowls on Cape Coral Parkway.
“His performance changes venue to venue,” said Donaldson who described The Enigma as “a side show geek.”
His past “shock shows” have included putting a drill bit up his nose, sticking needles through his arm, walking on broken glass or laying on a bed of nails, but he also plays music.
“We are trying to bring new, creative things to Cape Coral,” said Donaldson. “Where else on a Monday night can you see a sideshow performance?”
The Enigma was a founding member of the Jim Rose Circus, a modern day tribute to classic sideshows from the beginning of the 20th century. Other acts in the group are The Amazing Mister Lifto, Bebe The Circus Queen, Matt “The Tube” Crowley, and The Lizard Man.
The Lizard Man, also known as Erik Sprague, had his entire body tattooed with green scales and sliced his tongue in half to resemble a reptile. He was featured on a number of television shows including Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
The Enigma was featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s most tattooed man but no longer holds the title.
Tattoo Artistry has a list of people who are scheduled to get a tattoo on Monday, but Donaldson said it is first-come, first-serve.
“They have to be here earlier,” he said. “We can take appointments but it is really tough without knowing exactly what they are getting.”
The Enigma has performed on stage for Ozzy Osbourne, the Vans Warp tour and was on a short-lived reality show on HBO, said Donaldson. On Monday night he will be joined by Confused Little Girl, a metal and punk band out of Orlando, and local band Something compleX.