Matou at Theater am Hagen: Philosophical Puppet Theater Conquers Straubing
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Matou in Straubing: A Clever Cat Takes the Stage at Theater am Hagen
An evening that crackles with theater atmosphere: At the 30th Straubing Puppet Theater Festival, the Menzel‑Schäfer‑Thieme team tells the story of Matou – the cat who can speak and doesn’t want to be human. Philosophical, humorous, full of joy of play and precise acting, a stage experience unfolds that ignites both mind and heart.
Puppets, Light, Language: When Dramaturgy Becomes an Experience
The staging based on the novel by Michael Köhlmeier condenses centuries of human history into pointed scenes. Sophisticated directing, concise dramaturgy, and a precise rhythm between scene and silence create a pull. The interplay of voice, puppet, and body creates that magical theater presence in which Matou dissects humans with keen observational skill.
Set Design and Puppet Construction: Sensual Details that Open Worlds
Finely modeled puppets, subtle costume details, and a clear, transformable stage depict rare images of intensity. The lighting atmosphere works with warm transitions and striking shadow edges – intimate close-ups emerge on the open stage. Acoustic nuances and sparse sound create clever counterpoints.
Acting in Puppet Theater: Three Voices, One Breath
Anna Menzel, Veronika Thieme, and Pierre Schäfer guide with precision and empathy through Matou's seven cat lives. Their performance demonstrates how puppets can be brought to life: with controlled articulation, solid presence, and fine irony that tempts the audience to laugh – and in the next moment, makes them thoughtful.
Context and Classification: From Literature to the Stage
As a co-production with renowned stages, a format emerged that consolidates the strengths of contemporary puppet theater: literary density, visually striking scenography, and craftsmanship excellence in puppet construction. Press reviews and festival programs place Matou as a demanding yet accessible theater experience.
Audience Reaction: Awe, Smirking, Soft Whispering
The audience reaction swings between silent awe and liberated laughter. When Matou meets historical figures and exposes human vanities, that productive friction arises, making theater unmistakable: realization with pleasure.
Conclusion: Expect a concentrated, visually rich puppet theater experience of 90 minutes, brilliantly directed and finely played, reexamining the question of what it means to be human. Absolutely experience live – this cat doesn’t purr, it thinks aloud.
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- Website: https://www.theater-am-hagen.de
