HOHENFELS, Germany -- Audiences here thrilled at the electrifying escapades of high-wire troupe Geschwister Weisheit as they performed two shows high above the sportzplatz, Aug. 22.
Three generations of performers perched perilously 100 feet overhead on bicycles, motorcycles, chairs and each other, from nine-year-old Freidrich and his 12-year-old sister Johanna to family patriarch Andre.
"The youngest ones really amazed me," said audience member Sophia Rohan. "They were so little you don't expect it, but they did a really great job."
Founded in 1900, the Weisheit family tours all over Germany and Europe. Currently the only aerial act performing in open air, their show includes such unique stunts as the legendary five-person pyramid, a one-armed handstand on a 200 foot sway pole, and crossing the high-wire on a pair of stilts.
"The amount of balance needed for that pyramid was mind blowing," said impressed audience member Madison Smith.
The Hohenfels shows marked the end of the troupe's Armed Forces Entertainment tour for 2015. Troupe member Susanne Weisheit said the group really enjoys performing for the troops.
"We love coming to the U.S. military bases," she said. "Everything is nice and neat, the people are always friendly, and we know 100 percent that nothing will happen to our equipment."
The troupe really is all family, related by either blood or marriage. Susanne said she believes this creates a special connection with military members.
"We think the military audience appreciates that we are also a family, because it is clear that family is very important to them," she said.
Social Sharing