Augsburger Puppenkiste, Marionette theatre in Heilig-Geist-Spital, Augsburg, Germany
Augsburger Puppenkiste is a marionette theatre inside Heilig-Geist-Spital, a restored medieval building in Augsburg, Germany. Performances use handcrafted wooden marionettes operated by strings from above, telling stories for all ages in a small hall with a view of the stage.
Walter Oehmichen founded this theatre in 1948 after his earlier puppet theatre, Puppenschrein, was destroyed in World War II. The theatre moved into the historic Heilig-Geist-Spital and began performing for local audiences there.
Wooden figures move through their stories on strings, with people behind the stage controlling every gesture and turn. Many German families know the characters from television and bring their children to see them perform live on stage.
The theatre offers several hundred performances each year, with shows for children during the day and programs for adults in the evening. Seats are limited, so booking ahead is advisable, especially on weekends and holidays.
A museum called Die Kiste displays original puppets and stage sets from past productions. Visitors can examine the fine details of the wooden figures and the intricate handwork up close.
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