The comet Halifax 712 is approaching Earth. In the absence of the astronomer, Kasperl, his assistant, makes a journalist believe that a collision is imminent. Sensationalist press spreads panic. Kasperl denounces the selfishness of the Minister, who only thinks about himself. He also mocks people for stupidly believing in what the newspapers say, hires a telescope from a passer-by in order to get a closer look at the comet and suggests ridiculous measures (spraying water towards the comet, sending a spaceship). As the comet approaches, Kasperl disguises as a Capuchin monk and hears the confessions of the Minister as well as those of the journalist and of a salted meat master. When they want to bring their wealth in order to redeem themselves from their wrongdoings, they realize that the comet has drawn away, but Kasperl explains to them that their belongings and their superstition will be the subject of many other plays.

Glove-puppet

Young audiences

Maticka Adolf

Austria

Printed

Science fiction

Disaster

Astronomy

Telescope

Panic

Sensational

Press

Credulity

Ignorance

Comet

Politics

Media

Enrichment

Comical

Satirical

Front page of Rote Kasper-Texte

German

Ein Handpuppenspiel in 3 Akten

Kasperl

Teacher

Journalist

Pork butcher

Change of social status

Naive character deceived

Disguise

Address to the public

Misunderstanding

Song

Hidden Object Lazzi

Der Komet

The Comet

Christine is in love with Heini, a law student, but her father has promised to give her in marriage to the apothecary, a character so conceited and ridiculous that she cannot tolerate him. Heini resolves to leave for Leipzig in order to finish law school and he makes Christine promise that she will resist the apothecary’s advances in the meantime. The apothecary, however, learns that an uncle has bequeathed his fortune to him before he passed away, provided that he would marry his niece: he easily forgets about Christine. But his baseless allegations about Christine offend her father, and, as he is furious with the apothecary, he calls Heini back in order to organise the wedding of the young lovers.

Not specified

Keller Therese

Switzerland

Typewriting

Embroidery

Woman

Forced marriage

Wedding

Arranged marriage

Marrying for money

Student

Love

Impossible love

Bourgeoisie

Greek mythology

Silliness

Fatuity

Cloister

Phantom

Pharmacy

Inheritance

Vilification

Backbiting

Father

Apothecary

Off-stage voice

Caricature

Apparition

Speechless character

Letter

Hidden character

Monologue

Love story

Plot twist

Love rivalry

Ridiculous fight

Der Apotheker

The Apothecary