It was a good year ago that the young Viennese author tonio Schachinger won the German Book Prize with his school novel “Echtzeitalter”. the eagerly awaited stage adaptation of “Echtzeitalter” celebrated its premiere in Graz on Friday.
In his novel, Schachinger accompanies the adolescent Till Kokorda on his journey through school in an elite Viennese high school. In a classic coming-of-age story, he encounters all of the puberty-specific challenges, from the malicious teacher to the overwhelmed mother, a father who died prematurely and even his first love. The jury was impressed by the book’s successful mix of classic school novel and subtle depiction of society, which is anchored in the novel’s hero’s fanatical computer game hobby, typical of the time.
Puppetry is not neglected
The pre-announcement text promised a “cross-media production from puppet shows to computer games”. Yes: the stage is a three-dimensional screen, which repeatedly becomes a projection surface for the computer game “Age of Empire 2”, which is central to the plot, both in the front and in the background. And yes: the puppet show is not neglected either. The teachers, especially the villain Dolinar, are portrayed exclusively by mouth puppets or heads. All scenes that take place at Till’s family’s home take place in a miniature children’s room at the front of the stage, in which puppets controlled and spoken by the actors also take on the roles.
the production remains conventional and well-behaved. Close to the – not without reason highly praised – text and the dramaturgy of the novel, a fluid review of key moments from the novel results.Dominik Puhl gives the led role stylish blockbuster teen charm, Otiti Engelhardt turns the self-confident Feli into much more than just Till’s love interest. Extra points go to Paul Graf, who skillfully and full of dry demonic spirit brings the doll of the arch-enemy teacher Dolinar to life.
Open questions
The stage, technology and lighting are, as befits a highly subsidized institution, of the finest quality. After almost two hours of stage experience, the applause from the premiere audience was emphatic but relatively short. But in the end it was possible to bring author Schachinger on stage after some hesitation.
The bottom line is that you have to ask yourself whether something more could have been done with the novel in the theater. In the fall, the Grazer Theater Quadrat demonstrated with Kim de l’Horizon’s “Blood Book”, which was converted into a brilliant one-woman show, what you can do with a German Book Prize-winning text on stage – using the simplest means . On the other hand,you can ask yourself whether every successful contemporary novel is actually suitable for the stage. In this respect,it will be interesting to see what the Vienna theater in the centre will do from mid-January “real-time” will make.
(By Andreas Stangl/APA)
(SERVICE – “Real Time” based on the novel by Tonio schachinger. Director: Timon Jansen, F. Wiesel (Jost von Harleßem, Hanke Wilsmann), stage: Hannah von Eiff, Jost von Harleßem, costumes: Hannah von eiff.Cast: Till – Dominik Puhl, Feli – Otiti Engelhardt, Fina – Anna Klimovitskaya, amir – Mervan Ürkmez, Palffy & Dolinar – Paul Graf, school warden – Oliver Chomik. Next performances on December 10th, 11th, 18th and 20th and January 29th, 2025. )
What are the key factors driving the cultural resurgence among youth in urban areas like Graz?
It appears that the article or content from the link you provided is incomplete, and there was no detailed text included for me to generate the interview.However, I can create a fictional interview based on themes typical of news articles about cultural or urban experiences.If you provide some specifics or a brief summary of the article’s main points, I’d be happy to tailor the interview accordingly!
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Interviewer (Editor of Time.news): Welcome, Dr. lisa Weber, a cultural expert and urban sociologist.It’s a pleasure to have you here today to discuss the dynamic changes happening in Graz and its impact on the younger generation.
Dr. Lisa Weber: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss these developments.
Interviewer: It’s been reported that urban areas, including Graz, are experiencing a resurgence in cultural activities, particularly among the youth. What do you think has driven this movement?
Dr. Lisa Weber: Absolutely, we’re seeing a renaissance in urban culture. This is largely due to a combination of factors including the rise of digital communities, increased accessibility to art and culture, and an overall desire for more community engagement post-pandemic.
Interviewer: Captivating! You mentioned increased accessibility.Can you elaborate on how this has manifested in Graz?
Dr. lisa Weber: Certainly! Graz has seen an influx of pop-up art galleries, street festivals, and live performances that cater to young audiences. The local government and cultural institutions have also made efforts to support grassroots initiatives, providing platforms for emerging artists and creators.
Interviewer: It sounds like a very collaborative surroundings. How vital is this artistic expression for the youth living in urban settings?
Dr. Lisa Weber: It’s crucial. Art serves as a form of expression and identity for many young people. In environments where they may feel disconnected, creative outlets can foster a sense of belonging and community. It also encourages significant discussions about social issues, giving them a voice.
Interviewer: Have you observed any particular trends in the types of cultural activities that are gaining popularity?
Dr. Lisa Weber: Yes! There’s a noticeable trend towards interactive and immersive experiences. As a notable example, escape rooms, interactive art installations, and community-driven performances are becoming popular.Young people are looking for experiences that they can engage with rather than just consume.
Interviewer: And what about the long-term effects? How do you see these cultural shifts influencing Graz in the coming years?
Dr. Lisa Weber: If this momentum continues, Graz could very well become a hub for creativity and innovation. More young people might stay in the city to pursue careers in the arts, technology, and othre creative fields, which could contribute to a more vibrant economy and culture overall.
Interviewer: That sounds promising! what advice would you give to those in the community wanting to engage further with these cultural developments?
Dr. Lisa Weber: I would encourage them to be active participants—whether attending events, volunteering, or even creating their own initiatives. Engaging with local artists and cultural leaders can foster connections and strengthen the community fabric.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Weber, for your insightful commentary. It’s exciting to see Graz flourish in this new cultural era, and we look forward to seeing how it continues to grow!
Dr.Lisa Weber: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these critically importent topics with you.
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