Cilli Wang

Austrian-Dutch dancer, performer and theatre maker

Cilli Wang was a versatile artist of Austrian origin who later became a Dutch citizen. Born as Zäzilie Wang, she initially gained recognition as a skilled dancer in Austria and Germany. Her talents soon expanded to include comedic performances, earning her a reputation as a comedienne in these countries. However, with the merger of Austria into the Greater German Reich, Wang was compelled to flee and seek asylum in the Netherlands.

In her new home, Wang continued to pursue her passion for performance, becoming an integral part of several Dutch cabaret groups. She also embarked on a successful solo career, with her performances spanning multiple decades. Well into the 1970s, Wang remained an active figure in the Dutch entertainment scene, entertaining audiences with her unique blend of dance, theatre, and comedy. Through her work, she left a lasting impression on the world of performance art, both in her native Austria and her adopted homeland, the Netherlands.