just to ^pay a little tribute to FRANCE, in case nobody noticed it until now: The giant puppets have been created by the "ROYAL DE LUXE Théâtre", a French theatre troop well known and appreciated on this side of the Rhein river. This amazing troop who plays mainly outdoors, was born in the South of France on the Riviera in the 90's, and then moved to Nantes, on the Atlantic coast.

other amazing pictures here:

http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_de_Luxe

Sharing my life between both sides of the Rhein, I am happy to see this great contribution of my country, to the celebration of the greatest European event since the return of peace after WWII.

this is wonderful amazing craftsmanship. as most visual entertainment is computer generated, its great to see this kind of work. i choose to not live in the past, but refuse to shut the door on it.old school works like these never loose they'er time and space, i love these puppets and all the incredable labor that must have gone into them. we need more of this in the world, and look at the crowds assembled to view these awsome figures, just marvelous.

Thts a Great Show...
Great efforts and good concept...

Lokanathan Nadar (India)

What a work of art. When I saw the size of the figures against buildings and people it straight away reminded me of Gulliver and the Lilliputins in Gulliver's Travels.

I love the fact that some humans think of an idea (and this is a big idea) and somehow find a way to make it happen, even if it requires an amazing amount of effort, time and most likely, money. For what purpose??? For a variety of purposes...like enjoyment and the ability to accomplish something unique to be treasured with a we CAN do it attitude.

Congratulations to all involved...simply amazing characters!

Here are few links about "Royal de Luxe" and the shows !

First if you have missed Berlin

DIARY
======
January 2010 : Antofagasta, Santiago, Concepción - Chile
( for the independance bicentenial )

February 2010 : Wellington - New-Zealand

21-21th August 2010 : Anvers - Belgium

2011 : Perth - Australia

ROYAL de LUXE
==============
Royal de Luxe is a french street theatre company based in Nantes (France)

Official Website (in progress)
http://www.royal-de-luxe.com/

[In French]
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_de_Luxe
http://www.nantes.fr/culture/nantes-ville-de-cultures/la-veritable-histoire-de-royal-de-luxe.html
http://zonelibre44.free.fr/royal_de_luxe.htm

[In English]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_de_Luxe

THE LAST SHOW : The little giant and Titanic's Diver
===============
A day by day for the first show in Nantes in June 2009 - Many pictures [in French]
http://www.nantes.fr/culture/actualites-culturelles/2009/estuaire-2009-nantes-saint-nazaire/la-geante-du-titanic-et-le-scaphandrier.html
A video about the three days (52')
http://www.telenantes.com/les-3-jours-de-parade,39022.html

In Berlin
http://www.nantes.fr/culture/actualites-culturelles/2009/royal-de-luxe-a-berlin.html

http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_G%C3%A9ante_du_Titanic_et_le_Scaphandrier

and more on Flickr', Google; Youtube, Dailymotion,.....

A sigh.An uncle and his niece lost in the holocaust. Reunited.

How do they store those things?!? There HUGE!!!!!!! Cool..... but silly 2.

Wonderful...I would have loved to see this in person...

What actually astonished me most of all is that there are people who don't understand how amazing this really is.

cheers to Royal de Luxe and cheers to Berlin.
thank you for sharing this unforgettable performance.
=
c

Every country should aspire to have their own icons on show to the rest of the world. History showed us that we are a species who thrive on achievement. That's why they invented the Olympic games...right? Sport is not the only showcase. Our passions should always be on show as well. And here the Germans showed us how. I just never knew that the Germans are also passionate. Then again, some of the best music is German, best food, best beer. And puppet shows. And cars. And highways. And....
Gesundheid!

That is an amazing show and must have taken so much planning wish I saw it in the flesh..

Wunderbar!!! Wish the world was something like this...

very very awesome

Wow!!!

To number 219:
It's,.... for all intents and purposes, not "intensive purposes".

I live in Nantes, where the Big giant and the giantess were born.

it's so nice to folow them travelling across Europe :)

The ideals presented here are awesome.
Wish that some people could leave off the negative comments, aimed at other people, with different feelings and thoughts about things.
Having lived in the time that the wall was build, The anger that was evident around the world, but without action to stop it.
And then the coming down of the wall, my goodness, can we not just appreciate the symbolism behind this fabulous show?

#190 ... loco

#214 I can forgive you for being American, but not for writing 'intensive purposes'. Tsk.

How wonderful to see The Big Giant in front of the Reichstag instead of armed guards with machine guns!

Absolutely amazing I have never seen anything like it in my life.

Coisa linda. Uma manifestação digna. Gostaria muito de ter participado.

This is art. People go to a lot of trouble to create art, if it is worth the trouble. This is brilliantly conceived, expertly executed, and extremely simple, which is a strength. The only complexity about it rests in its fabrication, execution, and coordination.

That is its ethos. Its pathos is to touch the heart. As to that, it is as successful as it can be. It's only limitation rests within the hearts of the individuals who experienced it, either first or second hand.

5 Stars

This is So Cool!! - Amazing presentation, wish I could have been there to see it. Congratulations to the theatre company & to Germany. For the negative comments - Lighten Up People!

I'm already a little lovesick but after seeing this... O dear me, I think my heart is maxed out.

WOW!!!!!!!

A touchy-amazing hard work.
Like a wooden tear drop

Great!!!

The many varied comments to this event show how vastly different people can perceive something. Please note: Dr Shery, #190, has eloquently explained the origins of the underlying symbolism of the story. I recommend everyone read posting #190 before commenting. The event was not intended to mimic or challenge the Macy's Parade. It's not about size, for the sake of, size. It's not about wasting resources on a silly extravagance. This was a gift from the heart to heal, to celebrate our common ground, and look to a better future. This was art in the service of humanity; this was transformational and the French know that best!
Thank you to everyone involved in creating this beautiful story for the world.

that one was the coolest performance I've ever seen, wicked!!

ART.. true art.. no words necessary.. Dan.. IRL

that is so awesome it is true art

I remember seeing a clip of this in Being John Malkovich. I had no idea that it was real and a regular event.

its like a fairy tale!!!

This is so amazing.

With all the hate and violence in the world this is really heart-warming and amazing. How anyone can not like this beyond me. Worth every second of effort put in by those who made it happen.

Marionetas Francesas Gigantes"Guauh!!!!"

east and west in love with each other - true life

I was reminded of the time I saw Gulliver,s Travels in the Ramblas Barcelona from the heights of a Gaudi building in 1997,truly spell-binding,so good it still happens & can heighten important landmarks in present day history,allowing us to rethink/reflect....Ceri Australia...

I wish that I'd been able to see it,what inspiratrion Fantastic

Quoting a previous post: "not sure if it generatae money
but if it didnt then truly a waste of money and energy"

And this, my American friend, is why Americans will be living in mud huts and eating garbage in two more generations of capitalism.

Wow!! What a show. Hope we could do the same thing here in Taiwan when our brothers in China and us become real one family again as our strained affection is warming up.

Truly magnificant work by the French company Royal de Lux and this is a perfect example of there art taking motion and a great occasion to make it for. Beautiful.

Forget your country of birth, this is about being human. Beautiful, moving stuff.

So interesting!

I am so delighted to have seen these photos. They are spectacular and a wonderful expression of...whatever it is you feel as you look. Why are so many comments negative, accusatory and nitpicking.? If we could all be a bit more open and loving the world would surely be a better place...and let it begin with me...Anna Marie in San Francisco

Wow! It's a very great show. I have never seen a show like this. When the Big Gaint and the Little Giantess,newly reunited, sleep in each other's arms in front of the Brandenburg Gate, I can not control my tears. I cry for Germany's reunited.

wow!!!!!

It's huge! And big! And so, so very real!
It's gorgeous!
I wish I'd been there to see it!

too big

For the first and only time, I went to Berlin in 1983 where I stayed in the home of women I had never met but who were willing to open their home to me and walk with me in the city.
There was much breaking of glass and huge anger at the time - some amazing music was being made of those sounds - and coexisting with that fury was this open, generosity which touched me deeply. I had grown up in the USA with a certain perspective of German's and this trip really turned that narrow perspective on its head.
I remember going to the wall and feeling the fear and grey terror. I cried every day I was in Berlin, at the cruelty of humans. Yet every evening I would return to the apartment of these women who warmed me and comforted me by their gift of space and care. Though I could not understand a word that was being discussed around the table, I felt accepted and that made a huge difference as I struggled with history and possible futures.
The puppets sent the same feelings through my body. I am deeply moved by these artists and their vision - how simple and profound. Thank you. I look forward to going to Berlin again.

This is incredibly beautiful!

This looks like such a beautiful thing to see, something that I am sure all the spectators will remember forever, especially the children. I particularly enjoyed that the Little Giantess had removable shoes and socks and her very own rain coat. She's just like a giant doll!

Bravo to all who were involved in putting on this show.

Totally amazing...what a show!

I'm American (not always proud of it, sorry fellow Americans, I'm not)...but the comment by one of my neighbors: "not sure if it generated money but if it didn't, then truly a waste of money and energy" is truly insulting to this event...and I apologize on behalf of my country for this comment...not all of us are like that.

I cried looking at these photos (which are amazing btw), because the importance of this event is so profound and beautifully depicted (and I only know a smidgen of the whole story). Thank you for this enlightenment.

I was there too... not knowing what was going on only one day in Berlin I falow the music & peoples I got chance to see fascinating street shaw and like kid I feel the magic absolutely amazing I have never seen anything like it in my life

Beautiful pictures, An excellent work ot art. Would have love see in person.

EXCELLENTES PHOTOS. LES GEANTS SOT GENIAUX.
COMMENT NE PAS AIMER

Stunning pictures and the photo of them asleep outside the Brandenberg gate REALLY moved me for some reason...

Absolutely stunning! I saw the group perform "The Sultan's Elephant" in London in 2006 where the Little Giantess met an exquisite elephant. I recognized her immediately! Definitely one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I wish I could have seen this one!

Wonderful to see this, it gets me right into it. I grew up in Berlin,You got the spirit well Thank you

I like the "sleep in each other's arms" picture best. Marvelous work before and after I read the comments.

Absolutely amazing. I love these giants.

What also amazes me (which is true about almost all the pictures I see here on Big Picture) is how the U.S. media circus completely ignores these things. They are so busy reporting the toxic state of U.S. politics they have no time to report uplifting (and important!) stories like this.

I read the NY Times, The LA Times and the Chicago Tribune online, and never have I seen even a peep about these charming puppets or the 20th anniversary of the reunification of Berlin. Shame on these rags for trying to foist themselves as newspapers.

#312

don't purchase the rags that you are reading. do you really think that they are telling you the truth anyway?

This was an amaizng feat. I am so happy to have seen in from afar.
The embrace when they met...so touching. What history telling!

Fascinante

This is unbelievable. Very cool.

yes the lilliputan with the dreads is HHHHOT!!!

It's a shame that we didn't get a direct chance to see this in the middle of the U.S. I stumbled on this beautiful piece of performance! Though in contrast, my own experience is nothing, I do remember the Wall's fall 20 years ago. It was the first time I cried at an international event. (I was 8)
Kudos, and many thanks. Art can (and does) heal.

And at what scale!

I'm curious to know if they're coming to the US. Although many Americans wouldn't understand the message, we're always up for a good show.

This is absolutely spectacular--magnificent craftsmanship and artistry. How I wish I could have been there to see it!

so ccol!!!

It was amazing to see such works of art however in the back of my mind i kept thinking of Big Daddies and Little Sisters from the video game Bioshock. But it is still great to see things like this

OMG, It's a Big Daddy and a Little Sister! Where's my plasmids?! I neeeeed ADAM!

This is a much better way to celebrate Germany's National Holiday than a military parade. This event represents the spirit if the Germans today. I was there right in front of the Brandenburger Tor, the scenery was moving and touching, despite all the cranes, mechanics and technical stuff. Thank you for all the beautiful pictures.

As Hannah commented here, on October 20, 2009, "I am deeply moved by these artists and their vision - how simple and profound." For a reason which I have yet to analyze I was moved after reading the introductory paragraph and then moving onto viewing the pictures. Then I read Hannah's posting.
I am glad I came across this page.

Ken Mitchell said it all. What a spectacular idea.

Stunning - such imaginations - such sensitivity.

Only the French could put together something as beautiful as this.

Does this remind you of the Big Daddy out of the game bioshock looking for a little sister.

very, very cool...fantastic idea, powerful symbolism, spectacular execution.

it's amazing that in this world of technology we live in today, how can such basic objects create such a fantastic effect and impression! thumbs up!

AMAZING

Tremendous.

Spectacular!

It's so Bioshock...

Wow... It's wonderful..

I like it..

:-)

Thank you for share..

I just received this "event" from an artist friend. I was fascinated by the comments as well. I read nearly all of them. I'm struck by several points. First, the arrogance of some of my fellow US citizens. Some of us often have a highly over-rated sense of our place in the world. If we truly believed in democracy's "one man, one vote" we would be a bit humbled in the scope of it all. I am not saying we have not done many good things, but there is the rest of the world doing great things as well.

Secondly, I am struck with the analogy of the importance of every single puppeteer. It could be the analogy for how the world works. If it were not for each single person doing their job, the "show would not go on." If one person decided that they were more important than any of the others and started doing "their own thing," the whole is lost to the desires of one. It takes all of us to make it work. Thank you for bringing this to life.

P.S. To the person that thought this would be a waste if it didn't make a profit, it is clear as to how you value life. I am sorry for your sad and shallow world. It is heartwarming to know that some realize the value of art beyond what it puts in one's pocket.

Life is short but art stay for ever.
Congratulation!!!

I was there and it was amazing.

By far the most disturbing thing I have seen in ages. Truly frightening, the things that nightmares are made of.

I was there! Amazing show!

that is so cool

koreha sugoi!
bikkuri!
It's Amazing.

So Amazing Attraction & CARNAVAL I never see that is in INDONESIAN.

Fantástico!! fascinante! impressionante!! simplesmente maravilhoso.

A fellow puppet collector directed me to this site - I had seen a couple of photos of the Little Giantess but was not aware of the full extent of the project, its impact, and how moving it must have been for the spectators.
This is when the human spirit soars and ideas burst forth... thank you for the documentation of this splendid event and gratitude to the puppeteers ( and the Giant and Little Giantess) for their love and devotion to their craft.

Esta hermosa obra humana debería dar vuelta al mundo
Felicitaciones a todos los creadores de esta belleza pura

Ca c'est du spectacle populaire dans le bon sens du terme. De la poésie, de l'imagination, de la tendresse, de la beauté, du rêve, de l'humour, de l'amour. Merci à la Compagnie Royal de Luxe.
On vous attend à Calais (France).