SAND ART AT GANS GANZ ANDERS 2024 – KRYSTALLPALAST VARIETÉ LEIPZIG
CLEOPATRA AND HER MEN – A JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD
In November 2024, I had the pleasure of joining GANS GANZ ANDERS, the extraordinary dinner show presented by Krystallpalast Varieté Leipzig, for two weeks.
That season's production, “Cleopatra und ihre Männer” (Cleopatra and Her Men), transported audiences into the fascinating world of ancient Egypt and Rome. At the heart of the story was the legendary Egyptian queen Cleopatra and her relationships with two of the most powerful men of the Roman world, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
But this was far from a traditional historical drama. The production approached its ancient characters with imagination, theatrical humour and unexpected twists, creating a colourful world in which history met the playful spirit of variety theatre.
The stage brought together an international cast of performers, including acrobats, aerial artists performing on trapeze and aerial straps, dancers, actors and musicians. Spectacular physical performances alternated with comedy, music and quieter, more poetic moments, giving the evening its own rhythm and character.
And among these different art forms, sand art became part of the visual storytelling.
SAND ART THROUGHOUT THE SHOW
Live sand art appeared at three different moments throughout the performance — at the beginning, in the middle and in the finale. Each of my appearances lasted approximately four minutes, bringing scenes from the ancient world to life through sand paintings inspired by Alexandria, Rome and the historical settings of Cleopatra's story.
But sand art was not limited to these live performances.
Throughout the evening, sand paintings were also projected onto the screens between the different acts. These images became part of the show's visual scenery, creating atmospheric transitions and keeping the world of ancient Egypt and Rome present even when I was not performing live.
I particularly enjoyed being part of a production in which sand art had such a distinctive place. Rather than appearing as an isolated act, it returned throughout the evening and became one of the visual elements connecting the different parts of the performance.
THE THEATRICAL WORLD OF VOLKER INSEL
The production was directed by Volker Insel, whose work has been closely connected with GANS GANZ ANDERS and Krystallpalast Varieté Leipzig for many years.
What made “Cleopatra und ihre Männer” particularly interesting was the way it approached a familiar historical story from an entirely different perspective. Cleopatra, Caesar and Mark Antony became characters in a theatrical adventure that moved freely between history, comedy and fantasy. The ancient world provided the setting, but the production never took itself too seriously. There was room for humour, unexpected encounters, spectacular artistry and moments of visual beauty.
I enjoyed the way Volker brought these different elements together. A scene full of comedy could be followed by breathtaking aerial acrobatics, live music or a quiet sequence of images appearing in sand. The contrasts were part of the charm of the performance.
I also remember Volker himself with great warmth. Working with him was a genuinely enjoyable experience, and I appreciated his sense of humour, his ideas and the welcoming atmosphere he helped create throughout the production.
TWO WEEKS AT THE HISTORIC SPIEGELPALAST
The setting itself was another memorable part of the experience.
The historic Spiegelpalast in Leipzig, with its elegant interior, beautifully arranged tables and intimate theatrical atmosphere, offered a very different experience from a traditional theatre.
There was something special about performing in a space where the audience was so close to the stage and where dinner, theatre, music and artistry became part of the same evening.
Although my time with the production lasted only two weeks, I remember it with great affection. It was a pleasure to share the stage with such a talented and diverse group of international artists, to experience the energy of the performances and to become part of the world created for this show.
My heartfelt thanks go to Eva Aibaz, Volker Insel, the entire cast and creative team, and Krystallpalast Varieté Leipzig for making me feel so welcome.
Some projects stay in your memory not because of how long they lasted, but because of the people, the atmosphere and the moments you shared.
These photographs are a small collection of memories from my time at GANS GANZ ANDERS – “Cleopatra und ihre Männer”, Leipzig, November 2024.
Berlin, Germany
Email: sandart.linalii@gmail.com
+49 15901064753
