Christina Kiesler can look forward to the award. The special prize goes to Wir Staatskünstler, as was announced in a press release on Thursday. Pikart has been “an important protagonist and a conscientious and astute observer of socio-political imbalances and developments for years in the domestic cabaret scene,” it said. In her fourth solo program “Halb Mensch” she also dissects our existence “down to painful detail and puts herself under the knife in the process.” Pikart’s cabaret performance was already recognized by the jury in 2019, at the time with the award.
“If anyone can smash the patriarchy from the stage, it will be Christina Kiesler,” said the expert jury in explaining the award. For her first solo cabaret “Nachspielzeit” (Afterplay Time), the footballer (Dynama Donau club) transports the time frame of two halves with a 15-minute break onto the stage. She waits on the bench for her turn from the – naturally male – coach. The setting provides space to discuss her life and our society with the audience.
The ensemble Wir Staatskünstler, which has existed since 2011, combines the qualities of “three of Austria’s most prominent cabaret artists”: Florian Scheuba represents the investigative journalistic foundation, Thomas Maurer represents a more hedonistic criticism of civilization and Robert Palfrader represents the grandeur of acting. Created as a television format that has retained many film elements, “their performances go beyond the classic stage format,” was the verdict.
Regarding the program award (“Ghöst”), it was said: “The expert jury is honoring a ghost comedy – disguised as a safety lecture – performed by perhaps the most exciting cabaret elite troupe since ‘Schlabarett’.” Anyone who wonders what is possible in the small Alpine country of Austria will finally get an explanation. This year’s award ceremony will take place in the Globe, broadcast by ORF 1. The television and online award will be voted for by the public between September 9 and 30.