The Irschenberger Theater has succeeded in producing a production that inspires all generations with its Bavarian "Räuber Hotzenplotz".
The open-air theater defied all unpredictable weather for the premiere.
Irschenberg
– It goes without saying that the “most feared robber in the entire district” under his hat with the bright red band does not deter rain.
And whether the sergeant Dimpflmoser with his spotless spiked helmet from drinking liqueur and raspberry brandy at Grandma's will notice anything at all is questionable.
But the fact that the audience at the premiere on Friday endured even the heaviest downpour without complaint made “Räuber Hotzenplotz” director Sepp Grundbacher “a brutal Freid” and the best sign that it’s worth going to the Irschenberger Theater even when the weather is uncomfortable.
Well equipped and provided with rain ponchos if necessary, the spectators of all ages at the edge of the forest below the Obermooser-Hof were in a relaxed festival mood.
It was no coincidence that the backdrop inspired the landlord to stage Otfried Preussler's classic outside.
"Because there is no setting that suits this piece better than the great outdoors, the performance will take place at home in the Obermoos Forest as an open-air theatre," said the theater enthusiast Grundbacher, hitting the nerve of the audience.
They sat on long tree trunks in the theater arena on the hillside and visibly enjoyed the evening when the classic - skilfully modernized - delighted all generations.
Even more.
Through the open stage, the children also conquered the various scenes of the action, which were cleverly integrated into nature, marveled at the equipment in the robber's cave, crept carefully through the magician's castle (Hans Nirschl) and the dungeon into which he turned fairy (Katharina Grundbacher) had blocked.
And they were very respectful when they discovered "the real Kasperl" or one or the other prop that was not visible from the seats.
Only who would later sit in the bushes with the fishing rod and conjure up the objects requested by the wishing ring remained an unsolved question to the end.
When grandma and the robber rap
No wonder that the evening flew by and even the little ones in the front rows held out until the last - even if some had to yawn quite extensively.
In the end, everyone held out, and after Kasperl (Marinus Waldschütz), Sepperl (Hansi Waldschütz) and Grandma (Gertraud Reichenberger) had reviewed the events with their final rap, long-lasting applause erupted.
So enthusiastic that Grundbacher brought the Waldschütz cousins back onto the stage, who, after the last scene, quickly wanted to make off in the direction of the snack stand and "Räubersemmel".
The two youngsters deserved the applause in the experienced ensemble and gave a foretaste that the future of the passionately cultivated amateur theater is in good shape.
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The forest as a stage: The Irschenberger Theater with director Sepp Grundbacher (r.) stages a Bavarian “robber Hotzenplotz” as an open-air theater for the whole family.
© Thomas Plettenberg
The Irschenbergers don't seem at a loss for ideas anyway.
And to get the right twist, also presenting a 60-year-old piece in a way that suits both the area and the time.
Sometimes they borrow from short comic dialogues, sometimes from the goal announcements in the stadium.
And when the grandmother and Hotzenplotz (Sepp Kröll) have a rap battle, you wish it wouldn't just be one.
It cracks and thunders and sparks fly, the bushes discreetly hide loudspeakers and lighting, and so everything together is a success - and undoubtedly "also fun for adults", as Grundbacher remarked with a grin.
More performances
Remaining tickets at twelve euros (children six euros) are still available for the performance on Friday, June 10, and for the additional dates on Saturday and Wednesday, June 11 and 15.
Start is at 7 p.m., admission from 6 p.m.
The game is played in all weathers, with the exception of thunderstorms and hail.
All information, including advance sales, is available on the Irschenberger Theater website.
