When Alexander von Bernus opened his shadow theatre in Schwabing (Munich’s artistic quarter), he wished to present a new form of art, which he connected to the Romantic tradition. This form of art would be different from the shows of the Chat Noir cabaret in Paris and make better use of the immateriality of shadows to venture into the realms of the soul and of dreams. Mysticism pervaded the intellectual and artistic circles of Munich at the beginning of the 20th century, and it was also a feature of this project, which aimed at “the most metaphysical union of image, poetry and music”.

In this play, Alexander von Bernus draws inspiration from Nativity scenes and moving cribs for puppets. He writes a “sacred play”: the four scenes follow the story narrated in the Gospels (of Luke and Mark), from the Annunciation to the Flight into Egypt. Some modifications include Marie’s first prayer, which is surprisingly tinged with sensuality and evokes both her pain and her state of grace. The Nativity scene is also interspersed with dialogues between Marie and Joseph. The description of the angel’s apparition to the shepherds (told successively from the point of views of Joseph, Marie and the shepherds) is also worth noting, as is the individualisation of the Magi, as each relates how the star appeared to them.

No comic interlude or rebellious character suspends the religious lyricism of the play. The voice of an angel introduces and concludes the mystery, the characters speak in verse and some silhouettes are decorated with beads. This sophisticated version of the Nativity scene draws inspiration from religious iconography and extends the motif of the light, with the images of a fertile divine light, the guiding star, burning desire and invigorating faith.

A voice tells Marie that she is about to be pregnant with God. Marie says a prayer to God, in which she expresses at once her shame, her pain and her sense of fulfillment. Then she greets Elisabeth, who praises the light emanating from her. Marie thanks her but she also mentions her pain and the tears she has shed. In the barn, Joseph marvels at the celestial voices he has just heard, and reveals his confusion at Marie’s state, who can miraculously see the star and hear these voices. A group of shepherds comes. Each brings a present (a toy, a jar of honey, bread) and leaves. Once alone with Marie, Joseph wonders whether he is dreaming. Gaspar, Balthazar and Melchior come in. They relate their journey and how the star has appeared to them, and they leave a present (incense, gold, an ornamented staff). Joseph still vacillates from rapture to incomprehension, and he praises their new-found wealth and Marie’s lit up face. But an angel warns them about King Herod’s anger. He advises them to flee to Egypt.