Michael Kohlhaas

In the organizer's words:

In addition to his well-known dramas ("Penthesilea", "The Broken Jug"), Heinrich von Kleist also wrote a series of world-famous novellas. Michael Kohlhaas was first published in 1808 and is based on a true case.
We all know the nagging feeling of being right but not getting it right. Michael Kohlhaas, an industrious German middle-class man and wealthy businessman, falls victim to arbitrary rule and fights back. When he repeatedly fails because of the corrupt justice system, scheming nepotism and the hasty obedience of civil servants, he begins a murderous campaign of revenge against his enemies, both imaginary and real.
Initially the pawn of political and ecclesiastical interests, Kohlhaas soon becomes the most wanted terrorist of his time, as there is a fine line between justified indignation and unscrupulous vigilante justice.
In his novella, Heinrich von Kleist paints a picture of a hysterical society wavering between blind political actionism and cold calculation. A piece of world literature of current explosiveness, as if made for the passionate puppet theater of the Cipolla stage.

Puppet theater with live music
Based on the novella by Heinrich von Kleist
A production by Bühne Cipolla

Director and playwright: Sebastian Kautz
Composition and sound design: Gero John
Stage, puppetry and costumes: Melanie Kuhl
Technical set-up and lighting design: Frank Barufke

Further information