Born: 1909 (Vienna, Austria)
Cilli Wang, born Zäzilie Wang on February 1, 1909, in Vienna, was an Austrian-born Dutch dancer, performer, and theater maker. She is best known for her work as a dancer and later as a comedienne, making significant contributions to the arts in Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Wang began her journey in the world of dance by studying under the renowned dancer Gertrud Bodenwieser. Her undeniable talent and passion for dance led her to achieve her debut as a dancer in 1929. Notably, she danced for the nominations by Ernst Ceiss, displaying her remarkable skills and capturing the attention of audiences and critics alike.
In 1932, Wang married Hans Schlesinger, an Austrian writer, poet, and philosopher. This union proved to be creatively fruitful, as Schlesinger wrote the solo play Harlekinade, in which Wang played the leading role. The play showcased Wang’s versatility as a performer, allowing her to showcase her talent as both a dancer and an actress.
Seeking new opportunities and artistic growth, Wang moved to Berlin in 1932. She quickly became a sought-after performer, joining prestigious cabaret groups such as Werner Finck’s Cabaret, The Blue Bird, and Die Pfeffermühle by Erika Mann. Her performances in Berlin solidified her reputation as a versatile performer, capable of captivating audiences with her unique blend of dance, mime, acting, clowning, music, text, and acrobatics.
In 1936, Wang returned to Vienna to join her husband’s cabaret group, Fröhliche Landtmann. Together, they created memorable performances that entertained and delighted audiences with their humor and artistry. However, their lives took a drastic turn when the dark shadow of Nazism loomed over Austria. Due to their Jewish heritage, both Wang and Schlesinger feared for their safety and decided to seek asylum in the Netherlands.
In the Netherlands, Wang continued to pursue her passion for performing. She became a cherished member of several Dutch cabaret groups and showcased her talents through solo performances until the 1970s. Wang’s performances were characterized by a wide range of captivating and absurd characters such as Max and Moritz, a Hague lady, a ballerina, a cleaner, and a Tyrolean peasant woman. Through her impeccable mastery of various artistic mediums, Wang brought these characters to life, combining dance, mime, acting, clowning, music, text, and acrobatics to create magical and memorable performances.
During World War II, as Nazi Germany occupied the Netherlands, Wang and her husband faced the imminent threat of deportation to labor or extermination camps. Through their vigilance and resourcefulness, they managed to find a safe hiding place, evading the tragic fate that befell so many others during this dark period in history. However, Wang’s husband, Hans Schlesinger, sadly passed away in 1945 due to the physically and mentally exhaustive experience of hiding.
Following the end of the war, Wang bravely returned to her artistic pursuits. She joined the Kurhaus Cabaret by Cor Ruys and showcased her talents in the ABC-cabaret of Wim Kan. In 1946, Wang embarked on her first solo dance project, a groundbreaking endeavor in which she explored the power of movement and expression without the need for words. Accompanied solely by the piano played by Wim de Vries, Wang mesmerized audiences with her artistry and charisma.
Over the years, Wang’s performances continued to captivate audiences, and she gained recognition as one of the most influential and talented performers of her time. In 1952, she became a naturalized citizen of the Netherlands, solidifying her commitment and connection to her adopted country.
Cilli Wang’s contributions to the world of dance and performing arts are undeniable. Through her innovative and multifaceted approach to performance, she pushed boundaries and inspired generations of artists. Her ability to seamlessly blend dance, mime, acting, clowning, music, text, and acrobatics captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on the art form.