Puppet Theatre "Der Hase und der Igel"

As some of you know, I work in a kindergarten and I love theatre. So a while ago I found this great puppet theatre at my Kita and got the idea to show the kids a puppet play. I came up with the story of "The Hare and the Hedgehog" (oder "Der Hase und der Igel"). I got some felt and made these hand puppets. I used a hot glue gun to glue the felt together and out came some pretty puppets: A rabbit and a hedgehog man and hedgehog lady.

This is what they look like:

I took my idea from the children story and changed it here and there a bit to make it funny and interesting for the kids. In the the end of my story the rabbit doesn't die but rather he becomes friends with the hedgehogs and they'll share a big yummy ice cream.

Although it was a bit challenging to operate 3 puppets with 2 hands at the same time (when they are running the race), it worked quite well and was fun. I heard the kids laugh at the places I thought they would and talk to the puppets when it seemed appropriate. Surprisingly the kids sat quietly most of the time. This is usually a big challenge for them. 

Sorry didn't take any pictures of the puppet stage but here just the background with the hedgehog's house:

Kunstquatier Bethanien in Kreuzberg - Part 1

 Welcome to the Kunstquatier Bethanien (The Art Center Bethanien).

It's a place for art and culture located at the Mariannenplatz near Kottbusser Tor in Kreuzberg.

The institute Bethanien was constructed 1845 -47 as a central deaconess institute. The hospital was in use till 1970. The demolition was hindered by squatters, initiative groups and historic building conservationist. Then predominantly cultural, artistic and social institutions have been working in the main bulding.  

Have a look at this beautiful building.






The Kunstquatier Bethanien is a place of interdisciplinary work. 

There are spaces for art exhibitions including artist studios, project spaces for exhibitions, theatre and dance. The music school also has a place. You find a lovely cafe, restaurant as well. The Mime Centrum Berlin is an information and documentation centre as well as working spaces for dance and theatre makers. 

If you want to know more about the fantastic space, please check out their website.









http://www.kunstquartier-bethanien.de/bethanien_english.html

Meet Mickey C Power - My Friend from India

Meet my friend from India

Just yesterday I met up with my friend Ashwath from India, who is once again in Berlin. He is  a rare species; not only is he a good friend but also a clown in India!  Born in Kashmir, he's now based in Bombay and Delhi, a graduate from National School of Drama and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. He founded a space in the mountains called Theatre Garage Project where the "Empty Space" is the prime concern. Ashwath has extensive theater training and experience, traveling and life experience. Basically it's fun to be with him. I was introduced through a common German theatre friend and met him few years ago in Pune, India where he was teaching. 

Talking clowns, our understanding of clowns are quite similar. I've participated in some clowning workshops and done a tiny bit - it is by no means the makeup or specially colorful dresses that compose a clown. The pants too short or the sleeves too long according to the clown's own physical characteristics, have more effect than the colors or over dressing. It's not so much about being funny but true. The smallest mask is the red nose and with it you change into a clown. It's rather about connecting to people and for that sometimes being subtle is more and touching than big stuff. Ultimately the clown liberates you.



For Indians it's still a new concept and Ashwath is persistently trying to introduce the red nose concept in India.

In Europe, Ashwath is working together with the Red Noses and some Clown Schools in Germany, giving workshops etc. Here you can see him in action as the clown "Mickey C Power" in Berlin.


Anyhow, we had a great fun day in Kreuzberg. He as a "outsider" showed me around and introduced me to the Art Center Bethanien in Kreuzberg. Ha ha ha, I'll tell you about it in the next post, enough for today.