Physicists from the Universities of Siegen and Bonn demonstrated principles of quantum computing in a sold-out Bonn theatre by combining keynotes with a physical performance, the company says. Professor Alexander Lenz and Dr. Marion Lenz represented entangled qubits through acrobatics, illustrating complex interactions with lifts and somersaults after six months of training.
“We represented the change of the states of individual qubits through forward rolls, handstands, and somersaults—the entanglement of multiple qubits was particularly exciting,” Lenz explained. The show marks the kickoff of the new series“Science in the Theater,” in which the University of Bonn will present 5 of its 8 Clusters of Excellence. The event’s structure, combining a lecture with the preceding acrobatic demonstration, was intentional, designed to provide multiple avenues for grasping the abstract concepts central to quantum computing.
Acrobatic Qubit Entanglement Visualizes Quantum Computing Principles
The physical representation of quantum entanglement reached a new level of demonstration as Professor Alexander Lenz and Dr. Marion Lenz embodied entangled qubits through a live acrobatic performance. This innovative approach, part of a larger event, moved explanations of complex quantum interactions from theoretical lectures into a visually arresting spectacle, allowing audiences to witness the principles firsthand. The performance featured four acrobats representing qubits, with lifts illustrating the entanglement of multiple qubits, a key concept in quantum computing.
Professor Matthias Schott, organizer of the series, described the event as a way to bring research closer to the public, encouraging engagement and excitement around complex scientific topics. He said the event included a diverse program on stage, ranging from scientific presentations to impressive acrobatics to wonderful music and singing, emphasizing its unique format.
Live music further enhanced the experience. Professor Holger Schönherr and Professor Christof Wunderlich performed Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters,” providing an unexpected yet fitting accompaniment to the demonstration of quantum principles. The Lenz family’s performance wasn’t simply a visual aid; it directly translated the abstract changes in qubit states into observable physical movements. Professor Lena Funcke, holding the Clausius Chair in Computer-Aided Quantum Field Theory at the University of Bonn, delivered a lecture on the human understanding of matter and quantum physics, complementing the physical demonstration with theoretical context.
We represented the change of the states of individual qubits through forward rolls, handstands, and somersaults—the entanglement of multiple qubits was particularly exciting, which we performed through spectacular lifts involving four acrobats. This helps the audience better visualize the process at the atomic particle level.
Prof. Dr. Alexander Lenz, cluster co-spokesperson and professor of theoretical elementary particle physics at the University of Siegen
Funcke’s Lecture Details Quantum Computing Fundamentals & Future Limits
Funcke, who received the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize in 2025, addressed an audience eager to understand the challenges beyond the widely publicized potential of the technology. Her presentation extended beyond basic explanations, focusing on the obstacles to scaling quantum systems and achieving reliable computation.
Prof. Dr. Matthias Schott, CmF member and speaker of the University of Bonn´s “Matter” Transdisciplinary Research Area (TRA), sees this as an opportunity to bring research more into the center of society: “Our event series ‘Science at Theatre’ offers a great setting to make the science of our Clusters of Excellence accessible to the general public, to engage with people outside the university, and to get them excited about our topics.”
The team dedicated six months to training four times weekly for the acrobatic portion of the show, demonstrating a significant investment in this unconventional communication method, according to Bonn. Funcke’s lecture built upon the visual foundation laid by the performance, offering a deeper exploration of the theoretical underpinnings and practical hurdles of quantum computation. She explained the fundamentals and future potential, while also addressing the inherent limitations of the technology, providing a balanced perspective on a field often presented with optimism.
We enjoyed a truly diverse program on stage—ranging from scientific presentations to impressive acrobatics to wonderful music and singing. ‘Science in the Theater’ offers exactly the right format for bringing people closer to research through theater, particularly through the combination of spectacular stage performances and engaging lectures.
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