“When you’re strange / Faces come out of the rain / When you’re strange / No one remembers your name” – The Doors, 1967
Although living in Leipzig for some time now, I’d never really explored the meaning behind the tram stop telling me Krystallpalast Varieté Leipzig. I just identified subconsciously that it was a certain area of the city. When the opportunity came up with an invite from a friend to attend the seasonal show Riskant at that venue earlier this summer, I thought, yes, let’s do it!
It’s your first time going to such a show and you’re uncertain what to expect. Sure, the production is titled Riskant, which translates into “risky” in English, but what does that really say? Trying new activities and experiences is said to have positive health benefits, like when you feel awe at something.
So why not go to a variety show that can induce giggling, jaw-dropping, cringing, fun, and silly moments?
Walking towards the city centre, through the lightly car-visited streets, I made my way towards Magazingasse 4 via the pedestrian street Petersstraße. As I was getting closer, I saw small groups of people excitedly chatting in the street. Intended guests wore a mixture of outfits, ranging from dressier culottes that shimmered golden to jeans to dresses and suits. One of the reasons I love Leipzig: unique styles all around.
When entering the Krystallpalast, you’re warmly greeted by employees and – unbeknownst to us at the time – a few of the performers. Everyone is encouraged to drop their jackets upstairs at the free coat check before entering the showroom.
A max of 170 people can visit per show. The venue is set up as a semi-circle, with bistro tables with four chairs each. Friendly servers speak either German or English and attend to you quite quickly. You can order food to your table; a full meal, snacks, or dessert. Their drink list was also a nice assortment.
It’s almost like an extreme sport when a server comes to a table once the show is happening – timing is everything.
What to expect from Riskant at Krystallpalast Varieté
Performers were already playing with the surroundings before the show: making cotton candy sticks to give to audience members, watching, reading the room.
This particular show was set up like a Conny Island-style, 20th-century sideshow. The talented Riskant performers engaged with slapstick comedy bits, fire sticks, skits including the audience, sword-swallowing, contortion, and more.
The performers seamlessly created a fun atmosphere. If magician Miles Pitwell had an audience member on the stage who was uncomfortable, he respected that and moved on. There was no awkwardness or abruptness.
I would say Roc Roc-It was basically the emcee for the event, though he certainly had his own stunts to mesmerize with. They involved myriad forms of body discomfort.
The physical strength and movements of Tanari and Seraphim Richter kept audience members enthralled. As we switch gears, turn heads towards the tantalizing Zora van der Blast with her medley of swords. Ita Branco was fire – literally at times. Mica Paprika kept the audience roaring, alongside his chainsaws.
But my personal favorite, because of his physical gestures and mannerisms, was Mr. Ping Pong; the name tells you a lot about his (comical) performance.
I was also impressed with the smooth transitions between acts. Soundtracks can really hit home for me when well done, and I thoroughly enjoyed the parlor music and adaptations of songs I would otherwise sing along to. This is one of the points that struck me during the show: the connection and detail given for each act with the music.
Even as a foreigner, the German was easy enough to follow along and not miss any of the jokes. Ok, maybe one or two. But the gestures clarified them.
How the Krystallpalast came to be
The variety show celebrated 25 years in 2022 at its Magazingasse location. It has a long history in Leipzig, though.
Its original venue opened as a shooting range on Wintergartenstrasse in 1832 before turning into a performance hall. After a fire, dedicated patrons and supporters helped to realize a dedicated Krystallpalast in 1882. Then war bombings destroyed it in 1943. Let’s fast-forward, though, to the German Reunification, where funds were again collected for construction. The show’s present home opened in 1997 and has been going strong since surviving a technical fire on New Year’s Eve 20 years ago.
What a wild and diverse history! Longevity amid challenges also encourages change and growth.
Don’t forget to eat
A few weeks prior to the variety show, I attended the public opening night of Josephine Restaurant, at the front of Krystallpalast. This means people can now enjoy dinner there without having tickets to a show. The restaurant is named after the legendary Josephine Baker, who performed at the Krystallpalast in 1929.
It was a lovely evening. There’s plenty of seating and a pleasant ambiance. I was glad that the menu isn’t overwhelmingly large, rather they have a few options each under starters, mains, and desserts. The staff are also accommodating and they have vegetarian, vegan, and other allergy-avoiding options available. The wine list is nice and the servers are educated to help you choose what you will be drinking.
Take a chance, enjoy a nice dinner with someone whose company makes you smile. And if you dare, go towards the back and watch the show!
