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

Deceived naivety

Disguise

Address to the public

Misunderstanding

Song

Hidden Object Lazzi

Der Komet

The Comet