New production by Brandner Kaspar inspires Munich audience!

New production by Brandner Kaspar inspires Munich audience!

The new production of the classic Bavarian play "The History of Brandner Kaspar" is currently inspiring the audience in the Residenztheater in Munich. Under the direction of Philipp Stölzl, the new version, which was rewritten by Franz-Xaver Kroetz, awakens the folk hero Kaspar again. This staging, which celebrated its premiere on June 18, 2025, shows the 75-year-old Brandner Kaspar, who is in a desperate argument against death. His story takes place in Tegernsee, where he is drawn from life and smoke more than he poured some "Kerschgeist" on death.

The Brandner Kaspar lives with the constant companion of death, the Boanlkramer, who leaves nothing to be untrained in order to suggest his return to paradise. But the Kaspar, clever and cunning, has outwitted death with tricks and alcohol and enjoys the time, even if he has to accept painful losses, as the script author Kroetz captures wonderfully. "Peter has to be a Prussian," says the title of this staging, which comes with a lot of humor and philosophical undertones, while she is devoting herself to the topics of aging and dying.

a set to fall in love with

The stage equipment sets new standards: an oversized farmers' cabinet tells, designed in appeal, the various narrative strands of the piece. The Alpine landscape as a backdrop and a sky gate create the perfect environment for the actions on the stage. The plot is accompanied by Michel Gumpinger's live music, which combines different styles and wonderfully reinforces the action. Music and singing are also presented by three talented women with double bass, accordion and guitar.

The occupation of this staging is a real stroke of luck. The experienced Günther Maria Halmer slips into the role of Brandner Kaspar, while Florian von Manteuffel the Boanlkramer Mimes, a figure that oscillates between wealthiness and cleverness. Both actors skillfully bring the different facets of their figures into their own, so that as a spectator you always hang on your lips.

a cult piece for generations

"The story of Brandner Kaspar" has been a cult piece in Bavaria since his first count in 1871. The dialect count of Franz von Kobell continues to live in this new version and shows from generation to generation how death occupies a special place in earthly life. Cangled in cash language and Bavarian, the Brandner Kaspar has something timeless as a figure - he reminds us that we should meet life with a pinch of humor, even if the perspective often appears dark. The new version of Kroetz brings a breath of fresh air to a work over 150 years old and impresses with its charm.

The residence theater promises visitors an entertaining and thoughtful time that brings the play in its full splendor. So if you want to devote yourself to a humorous theater evening, you should not miss the piece. All information and tickets can be found on the website of the Residenztheater: www.residenztheater.de .