This is how it is when two philosophies of life collide and a full-length theater is made about them. Thomas Kreger – portrayed by Gregor Seberg – indulges all kinds of vice. The others – the Esch family – prefer to trust a life of (outward) purity, with abstinence. It is an interesting work that Tillysburg director Nikolaus Büchel presented to the premiere audience on Thursday with the world premiere of “The Principle and the Krampus”. Büchel has made two rarely played pieces by Hermann Bahr into one and the amalgamation has been largely successful.
It begins as a fun ping-pong game between slovenliness and freely chosen reason. It’s about relationship, first and cold love, about life. There is also a lot to smile about, sometimes subtly sprinkled humor, which entertains in the open air in the first two acts (the finale had to be played in the Tillysburger Schlosskeller due to the weather). Gregor Seberg is a draft horse for this festival, but at the premiere he has not yet fully found the playful and linguistic nuances of his role. Bernhard Majcen masters his difficult father role with verve, Alexandra-Maria Timmel plays his sensible wife.
The supporting roles are excellently cast. Lisa Furtner garnishes the character of the cheerful, farmer-minded cook Leni Kuk with esprit, with comedic, but never overused talent.
JD Schwarzmann is a delicious Everbusch, a master of the small gesture with a big effect. Theo Colarusso gives a Hans who is always happy to take away the lust for life (and for women) that has just been injected.
What is missing from the piece is a fluid context. It has unnecessary lengths, especially towards the end. As far as the costume selection is concerned, there is more. There are too many clothing eras. Anyway worth seeing.
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
