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Productions

Fairytale Tribunal [ACTION SPACE]

In 1985 the Pädagogische Aktion enacted “Fairytale Tribunal” (Märchengericht), a space for action, at the Haus der Kunst. In this setting, a trial holding fairy tale characters accountable for their actions took place. In September / October of 2017, the Märchengericht was newly interpreted within the framework of the FAHRENDE RAUM together with children and youths in collaboration with Gerd Grüneisl (artist and cofounder of the Action pedagogy program). Over a four-week period, together with guest artist Jonathan Penca, the Märchengericht explored regimes of truth and fairy tales in regards to justice and fairness by appropriating them through action theater. The results were videos, scenery, costumes, and living pictures created with and by the participants, as well as the school groups that were invited to take part. The pieces put on trial and performed included Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves, The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Willow Wren and the Bear, Puss in Boots, The Tenth Daughter, The Cat and the Mouse, as well as many of the children’s own stories.

In service of this project, Alex Wissel and Maximiliane Baumgartner have developed a mural, which connects elements of the fairy tale tribunal with their observations from the NSU trial in Munich.