What makes the Salzburg Marionette Theatre different from other theatres? – On the stage, the marionettes are the protagonists, and the people are behind – or rather, above it all. Because, while down on the stage these finely-crafted marionettes perform plays, fairy-tales, musicals and operas, it's the skilled puppeteers two metres above them who guide all their movements with a special technique, each on 12 strings. The puppeteers, who have mastered this unique method, bring the marionettes to miraculous life.
This special performance technique, has been declared a cultural asset worthy of preservation, as the "most highly developed form of puppet and figure theatre", earning the Salzburg Marionette Theatre a place in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
On 27 February 1913 the Salzburg Marionette Theatre gave its first public performance at the Hotel Bristol on Makartplatz: Mozart's singspiel Bastien und Bastienne was on the programme and was a huge success for the small ensemble. Since then, the Salzburg Marionette Theatre has delighted countless people all over the world. As soon as the little creatures on strings enter the stage, the audience is immersed in a world of fantasy and is captivated by this magical art form.
OPENING
Readings: Rosa Pock, Valery Tscheplanowa, Antonio Fian
Music: Javentu
Wednesday, 22 May 2024, 7.30 pm
Marionette Theatre, Schwarzstraße 24
Admission free, registration requested at www.literaturfest-salzburg.at