The old gentleman, agile as a youngster, explains: “These sculptures lead the audience into the tent, which has the same atmosphere. Wild painting reminiscent of birds, flowers, nature. And then there is hate and envy. How pathetic the world looks without imagination! All of this is attractive for a theater maker: to talk regarding it – from the deepest misery to the utmost euphoria. So to make a world theater. With unusual means.”
Because the stage, over which a Raimund portrait of Freyer hovers, is not very deep – and without finesse: there are no trains, no sinkings. In addition, the finances do not allow for any complex effects. So it is important to “do meager, pure, poor theatre” that is captivating nonetheless. With a lot of imagination. For example, Freyer brings balloons to life.
Larissa Fuchs, Krisch’s wife, plays the queen, Tini Kainrath the poetic fantasy. And Krisch the nightingale? No, says the director: “I thought regarding it for a moment, because what the nightingale says is very nice. But it’s not enough in terms of strength.” After all, he had to organize all the equipment. Eduard Wildner will therefore be seen in a double role.
The fact that the Burgtheater will subsequently also release “The Bound Fantasy” (end of March 2023, director and stage director: Herbert Fritsch) gives him a certain satisfaction. Because Krisch left the castle when the new director came – and then found his home in Josefstadt: “I’m very happy there.”