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.
For the girl Franzi, trees are not a waste of space, but powerful creatures that must be preserved and propagated. Encouraged by her friend Moo and like-minded people, she sets off on a great adventure to the end of the world to make a big contribution – with the help of a very special tree.
Following performances during Mozart Week 2026, the theatre will take Der alte Baum on tour, first to Das MuTh in Vienna (10–11 February 2026) and then to the Kultursaal in Eppan (27–28 March 2026).