Royal de Luxe’s Giants Take Berlin
The massive and astounding marionettes came to Berlin in a program called “The Berlin Reunion”, a series of eight walks set to commemorate German Reunification.
Hauled by cranes and scores of puppeteers, the giants moved about town over four days from October 1-4, following a tale set in motion by Royal de Luxe. The story told over the course of these walks was of two giants being separated by a city torn in two by monsters, eventually reuniting despite epic odds.
1. Once upon a time, a long time ago, Berlin was a swamp inhabited by giants. They planted roots in the water which slowly grew up into trees, whose trunks they later used to build shelters.
2. In one of these huts lived a Little Giantess together with her uncle, Big Giant. He had given her a wonderful boat in which she could travel across the continent. But one day land and sea monsters tore the city in two: And one of the two pieces was walled up.
3. When this happened the Big Giant and the Little Giantess were separated.
4. He was so angry that he threw himself into the river and from there he wandered through the depths of the oceans looking for the sleeping geyser on the seat floor.
5. Many years passed but eventually he found it.
6. He dragged it underneath the city walls and woke it rudely. The earth shook, the walls crumbled and washed away…
7. …a strong wind made the Little Giantess’ boat start moving and pulled roots of the trees up into the air.
8.When this was all over, the Big Giant climbs out of the river and starts searching.
9. The Little Giantess wakes up beside her boat…
10. …and discovers a sack of letters which were never delivered.
11. She decides she is going to deliver the post and on her way round the city…
12. …she is reunited with her big uncle, the Big Giant.
Photo 1 by Tom Gates. Photos 6 & 7 by Didier. All other photos by SpreePIX. Story by Jean Luc Courcoult, Royal de Luxe.
Community Connection
Matador is full of photo essays. You might start with Twelve Lesser Known Ruins Of The World and then move onto The Most Alien Landscapes On Earth. For a giggle, lend a few minute to 20 Of The Freakiest Bikes On The Road.
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8 Comments... join the discussion!
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a little frightening, but also mournful and beautiful.
they reinforce my impression of Berlin being one of the world’s creative havens.↵ -
Their mouths are so odd! Great piece.
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Wow! I know the pictures can’t express how affecting this must be, but they are great!
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Really interesting! But I wonder how many Berlin toddlers are having nightmares tonight…..
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Wow, very different! Creepy, but cool.
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Freaky in a cool way. Love the photos.
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absolutamente imperdible montaje, buenisima musica y una experiencia inolvidable
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