Franz Xaver Kroetz brings Brandner Kaspar back to the Munich theater!
Franz Xaver Kroetz will present his new version of “Brandner Kaspar” on June 14, 2025 in the Munich Residenztheater.

Franz Xaver Kroetz brings Brandner Kaspar back to the Munich theater!
A great comeback is imminent! On June 14th, the Munich Residenztheater will present a fresh premiere of “Brandner Kaspar”, a work that has not been seen on the theater stage for 25 years. The author, Franz Xaver Kroetz, wrote a new version of the piece specifically for this purpose. He did this despite his previous announcement that he no longer wanted to write for the theater. But he apparently found the inspiration he needed for Brandner Kaspar's return. sueddeutsche.de reports on the upcoming event that is intended to touch the hearts of the audience.
Kroetz, now 79 years old and an old hand in the business, takes us into the world of the Bavarian stubborn Brandner Kaspar. The protagonist has a remarkable list of adventures; So he outwits Death, who appears in the form of Boanlkramer, while playing cards. He plays with Kerschgeist to buy himself eighteen additional years of life. However, as is often the case in life, this has its price: Brandner's granddaughter, Seferl, dies during the cattle drive, which plunges him into loneliness. residenztheater.de offers a deep insight into the emotional depth of this story, which is based on Franz von Kobell's dialect story.
Kroetz and his view of the theater
The conversation with Kroetz, which took place in his winter garden in Obermenzing, shows a person who has an ambivalent view of the theater landscape. He initially shows reluctance to comment on his latest work, but upon closer inspection it becomes clear how much the theater still appeals to him after all these years. His first steps in the theater continued in the 1970s, when he became one of the most frequently performed authors in German-speaking countries. wikipedia.org lists some of his most important works that shed light on the social reality of many people.
The upcoming performance will be directed by Philipp Stölzl, a well-known Munich director, whose creative flair will certainly help to develop the magical atmosphere of the piece. According to Kroetz, the production is described as a “big picture book” and fairy tale. It will be exciting to see how the touch of humor and the profound wisdom of the original will come into their own in this new version.
What does the audience expect?
The upcoming performances can be eagerly awaited. The fear of death and the striving for more years of life described in the story offer numerous opportunities for gripping representations on stage. Kroetz himself has repeatedly dealt with the themes of life and death over the years, and this is also clearly reflected in “Brandner Kaspar”.
The return of Günther Maria Halmer to the Residenztheater is another highlight that delights many fans of the theater. This production brings to life a piece of Munich theater history that will not only awaken nostalgic feelings but also captivate young viewers.
A visit to the Residenztheater on June 14th could be a wonderful experience that both entertains and makes you think. Don't miss this opportunity!