Free "Kiepenkasper" Puppet Theater Performs in Morristown

Internationally acclaimed puppeteer Uwe Spillmann and his Kiepenkasper Puppet Theater will perform at the German Language School of Morristown in both English and German (www.glsmc.org) on Saturday, November 3 at 9:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at the school, located on the campus of Morristown Beard School, 70 Whippany Road, Morristown, NJ 07960.

The free performances include a post-show “meet and greet” session.

“Uwe’s visit in 2016 was a hit with all our students and we’re thrilled we can bring him to us in New Jersey again this fall,” says Principal Michaela Greco. “Our schools not only teach a language but bring these types of cultural events for the community to enjoy.”

Traditional Characters Tell Modern Tales

Mr. Spillmann, known as “Der Kiepenkasper”, writes original fairy tales and hand-crafts puppets such as the traditional fun-loving Kasperle (Casper), a funny pirate and a bad witch, each designed to delight and enchant children, In Spillmann’s theater, the children participate by waking up the puppets from their wicker basket (Kiepenkaste) to start the show. Mr. Spillmann sounds the start of the story with his small wooden clarinet. In the story of the “Magic of the Three Feathers”, Kasper needs the children to help him “undo” the magic tricks he learned from a witch. In the “Trip to Pirate Island”, he outwits a silly pirate who steals his gong. Spillman notes that in his experience all children, even those without any German knowledge, understand the plays and participate as the stories unfold.

According to childhood development experts, puppets help children express themselves, work out their fears and worries, and deal with difficult situations through the carefree world of make-believe and role-playing skits. Each performance ends with a meet and greet with Mr. Spillmann and his friends.

Puppetry a Theater Tradition Since Medieval Times

Long before the characters from the Muppets, there were puppets that performed slapstick comedy. Kasper - from ancient Persian - means “keeper of the treasure,” dates to the beginning of Christianity, and is believed to have been named after Casper, one of the three Magi who visited the Christ Child. The character also appeared in early mystery plays of the medieval Church.

Kasperltheater emerged in the 1700s and soon became synonymous with puppet theaters throughout southern Germany and Austria that featured Kasper, his friends Gretel and Seppel, and a varied cast of characters that usually include grandma, king, princess, witch, devil, robber, policeman, wizard and crocodile. A more child-like version of Kasper appeared in Munich in 1858 to tell stories of good and evil and to beat the evil devil, witch and crocodile.

The theater is among several year-round events and activities hosted at the school. Contact info@njlearnsgerman.org to learn about the year-round activities, events and enrichment classes available to children and adults.

About the German Language School of Morris County

Celebrating its 50th year, German Language School of Morristown admit students of any race, color, religion, creed, gender and national or ethnic origin. The school is a member of the German Language School Conference (GLSC) and American Association of Teachers of German (AATG). Classes are held at the Morristown Beard School, 70 Whippany Road, Morristown, NJ 07960. For more information go to www.glsmc.org. Please socialize with us on Facebook.