Kasperl in Santa Catarina: German Cultural Heritage Through Puppet Theater

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5965/2595034701312025098

Keywords:

Kasperl; Santa Catarina; Puppet Theater; German Culture

Abstract

The article explores the presence and influence of the puppet theater Kasperltheater in Santa Catarina, as part of the German cultural heritage brought by immigrants since the 19th century. Originating in Germany, Kasperl is a central character in the country’s popular puppet theater, portrayed both as a hand puppet and a string marionette. The text highlights the role of the Hohnsteiner Handpuppenspiele company in popularizing Kasperl and spreading it in Brazil, particularly in German-descendant communities in Santa Catarina. Through historical accounts, such as those by Margarethe Schlünzen ("Móin-Móin") and Hildor Emmel, the article demonstrates how Kasperltheater was integrated into daily life, education, and local traditions, resurfacing in the 21st century through cultural and artistic initiatives. The play Kasperl e a Cerveja do Papa (Kasperl and the Pope’s Beer) by Trip Teatro exemplifies the contemporary adaptation of this tradition, bridging past and present. The study reveals Kasperl’s importance as a symbol of cultural resistance and its relevance to Santa Catarina’s identity.

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Author Biography

Willian Sieverdt, Trip Teatro

Willian Sieverdt, a professional actor dedicated to puppet theater since 1989. Founder of Trip Teatro, he produces, directs, and performs in shows that have been presented in all Brazilian states and in 16 other countries across 4 continents. His cultural work has been recognized with the Cruz e Sousa Medal of Cultural Merit (2012) and the Itaú-Unicef Award (2007). He presided over FECATE (Santa Catarina Theater Federation, 2010–2013) and was superintendent of the Rio do Sul Cultural Foundation (2013–2016). Since 2011, he has coordinated Teatro Embaixo da Ponte, a cultural space in Rio do Sul, SC.

References

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Published

2025-06-11

How to Cite

SIEVERDT, Willian. Kasperl in Santa Catarina: German Cultural Heritage Through Puppet Theater. Móin-Móin Magazine - Studies in the Art of Puppetry, Florianópolis, v. 1, n. 31, p. 98–114, 2025. DOI: 10.5965/2595034701312025098. Disponível em: https://revistas.udesc.br/index.php/moin/article/view/27318. Acesso em: 28 jul. 2025.