In a time in which I find it harder than ever to believe that what we are doing is of significant importance for society – the invitation to fabula mundi came just right. Meeting all those talented playwrights with all these different backgrounds to talk about theatre practice, working conditions, narratives and encounters in their work is delighting and motivating. And the european international scale of it adds a surprising mix of allyship, curiosity and change of perspective. I’m convinced that teaching what you were taught, or what you’re doing, changes your perspective on your practice. You learn something new about it everytime you try to convey. It’s nice to see similar and new approaches on working with youngsters in that field. It’s nice to know that you’re not alone.
Stefan Wipplinger
Stefan Wipplinger was born in Upper Austria in 1986. He studied Experimental Design at the University of Fine Arts in Linz and started working as an assistant director in independent theatre productions. He moved to Berlin in 2010 to make movies and sign up for Theatre Studies, then studied Dramatic Writing at Berlin’s University of the Arts. 2014 he was selected for a play development by Grips Theater for the Berlin Childrens’ Theatre Award. His first full-length play “Hose Fahrrad Frau” (Engl. Taking Care of Things) was nominated for Stückemarkt of Berliner Theatertreffen and Heidelberger Stückemarkt and premiered in 2016 at Volkstheater in Vienna. He’s now working in theatre as a playwright, director, dramaturg, and translator and writes adaptations in close collaboration with directors. He’s a founding member of a network of playwrights focusing on exchange, solidarity, transparency, and fair payment and has initiated a podcast for german contemporary drama in 2021.
Taking care of things
In a big city, people meet each other as if by chance, become dependent and things change hands: the childless couple Alf and Michaela argue about questions of clothing and family planning. Janne, who first swaps apartments and later her heart with Tom – a freelancer in precariat – is supposed to play a special role in fulfilling Michaela’s desire to have children. A young man from a foreign country is with a friend in search of his sister, who was bought years ago by her now-husband. And between them all a bum, a figure of ancient dimensions, rogue and philosopher, who seems to be not entirely innocent of all these encounters and confusion. Stefan Wipplinger artfully links various plot threads and stories that deal with possession, renunciation and sharing, bartering and deception in a world of consumption. Under the guise of laconic narratives and brisk dialogue, Taking care of things hides a solid criticism of capitalism.
Measure for Measure
after William Shakespeare
The elections were held in Vienna. Moderate and veteran President Vincentio is reluctantly forced to make popular hardliner Angelo chancellor. And he immediately goes into action, determined to turn the system upside down. New laws are being enacted at high speed and old ones are being reactivated – sex is becoming a matter of marriage, marriage a privilege for whites, and racial segregation is the supreme principle, the violation of which is severely punished. The first victim of Angelo’s harshness is Claudio, whose girlfriend Julia is expecting a child from him. A mixture of agitation, rebellion and shock is spreading in Vienna’s red-light district. Some join the right-wing extremists, others intrigue. When Claudio’s sister Isabella receives an indecent offer from Angelo in response to her plea for clemency for her brother, the tide begins to turn. Lucio, a friend of the convict, senses a chance to get rid of the chancellor.
“Measure for Measure” was probably written in 1603/04 and is based on several literary models from the 16th century, which Shakespeare cleverly puts into the somewhat deceptive guise of a comedy. For the Theater Koblenz, Stefan Wipplinger has created a new treatment of the material, which makes the topicality of this work by the great judge of character William Shakespeare visible with breathtaking power.
Closing the eyes
The friendship between the two best but opposite buddies Zack and Schnuppe is put to a severe test in Stefan Wipplinger’s WIE SCHNUPPEN VON DEN EYEN. Because suddenly, out of the blue, the mysterious new neighbor girl Dee appears and messes things up – not only in sniff but soon also between the two friends. Only her sudden absence makes Zack aware that Dee is something very special. And the search begins.
New Voices
August 28, 2023
