Pocket Size Spectacle: Paul Lincke’s “Prinzess Rosine” Back in Berlin

You could say this is rather daring (and wonderful): bringing Paul Lincke’s 1905 extravaganza Prinzess Rosine – which includes a “Luftballett,” i.e. an up-in-the-air ballet – to the tiny stage of the Theater im Palais in Berlin. As a pocket size spectacle.

The piece has a strong fairy tale vibe, it’s about a princess that travels to a magical land of plenty with her entourage – and experiences adventures there. Originally, this was enhanced by lavish dancing and a lot of cross dressing for the corps de ballet.

In the new production, that revives the piece for the first time since Nazi times (when Lincke was put back on the map as an “Aryan” role model for the genre), all roles are played by two actors: Stefanie Dietrich as her operetta alter ego Mizzie Meier and drag queen Meik van Severen. Here you can hear the great Lillie Claus in a recording from the 1930s, demonstrating what exactly was meant by “Aryan” operetta.

The new production is staged by Fabian Gerhardt, Markus Zugehör is the musical director. By casting a drag queen in a lead role and by emphasizing a queer vibe, all “Aryan” associations should (hopefully) be eradicated.

There are performances coming up at the end of April, running through early May. If you want, you can attend a free introductory talk before the performances at 6.30 pm. No prior registration is necessary.

You can find some of the Prinzess Rosine music on YouTube, which makes for interesting listening. It’s in the typical slap-them-on-the-head Lincke march style, mixed with rousing waltz tunes. And some delicate extras.

For more details and performances dates, click here.