Theater without words and friendship without borders

Dear Carlos,

When I first met you in September 1985 at DeBron in Holland, I could never have imagined that a brief five-minute performance of The Barber would open the door to forty years of shared adventures. For over three decades, I had the privilege of being your booking agent—an experience that not only shaped my professional life, but also enriched my personal one in ways beyond measure.

As you now turn 70—just as I did last May—I’d like to reflect on some of the gifts our friendship has brought me.

Before meeting you, I was working only with solo musicians and bands. You introduced me to the world of theater, where I quickly learned that soundchecks were only a small part of the preparation. Stage height, lighting, and even the temperature of a dressing room—all became essential details. I even learned to operate light and sound mixers across different countries, becoming a true all-round road manager.

Because of your universal and silent art, we traveled through countless Kleinkunst theaters across Europe: tours in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Great Britain, more than ten tours in Latvia, plus performances in Italy, Holland, France, Finland, Estonia, Russia, Ukraine, Portugal, Greece, Denmark, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Kosovo, and of course Spain. But above all, Germany and Switzerland became our main stages.

And beyond Europe, we journeyed far: performances and workshops in Bonaire (2001), an unforgettable safari in South Africa (2002), a youth conference in Córdoba, Argentina, and a gala performance in Jordan (2014). In 2016 and 2017, we twice visited Kunming, China, and discovered the immense city of Chongqing with its 32 million inhabitants!

You even introduced me to a community I had hardly known before—the world of the deaf. Your art spoke to them as fluently as to any hearing audience. I will never forget their glowing faces and their applause, expressed with raised, fluttering hands like butterflies. Those moments touched my heart deeply.

Through our many travels, our friendship grew stronger. Conversations with you—about art, about life, about your faith and how it shaped your choices—were always inspiring, never shallow. We became true friends. I remember Bonaire in 2001, when we shared a bungalow for a week, living almost like an old couple, each following his routine—while the neighbors watched with curiosity and smiles.

Your trust in me and my work encouraged me and made it easy for me to give my very best. For that, I thank you wholeheartedly.

I have always admired the way you conduct your workshops. Whether with bankers at UBS, theater students, HR managers, preschool children, or deaf youth in Jordan, you had an instinctive way of drawing out the best in people—not by pointing out their mistakes, but by affirming what they already did well and guiding them toward improvement. Participants left feeling uplifted, empowered, and seen.

The same spirit shines when you greet your audience after a performance. People are surprised to see an artist get so close to them after a full evening on stage—but what they witness is your genuine love for people.

You never shied away from new artistic challenges. From 2000–2002, your collaboration with pianist Johannes Nitsch brought unforgettable performances. In 2015, classical pianist Shani Diluka inspired you to revive the piano–mime format with great success.

In 2008, songwriter Linard Bardill invited you to embody a thief in Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition—performed with the Robinson Children’s Circus and the 90-piece Tonhalle Orchestra under Vladimir Ashkenazy. Two sold-out shows followed! Later, you toured with Andreas Malessa (Still & Stark), and again with Bardill for Josa und die Zauberfiedel—each time adapting your role with professionalism and creativity.

Our travels brought us into contact with extraordinary people: meeting Dimitri the clown, who became a lifelong friend; Princess Muna of Jordan; Latvian Defence Minister Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis and his wife Ilse; and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi. And of course, countless promoters, hosts, and journalists who supported our work and made our journey so rich.

Looking back, I am deeply grateful for the life and friendship we have shared. I wish you continued health, joy, and courage for the years ahead—trusting that the God who has guided you thus far will continue to walk with you.

Your former booking agent and friend,
Jean-Daniel von Lerber