Krampusnacht

Holidays approaching
Jingles everywhere
Shop, buy, wrap – repeat
It’s all too much to bear

Never fear
Help is near
Krampusnacht returns this year

Bald Mountain Theater presents Krampusnacht- Stories of Light and Dark for the Winter Solstice, which premiered to a jam-packed, sold-out house and has since become a yearly tradition.

This event highlights the dual nature of the season: the dark, long night full of tension and fear and longing, and the glimmering hope of a new day and positive change to come. An eclectic mix of new original material and seasonal traditions from around the world, the show is presided over by Krampus himself, the dark companion of St. Nicholas who punishes naughty children in European folklore.

“There will be short stories by local authors, folktales from Russia and Iceland, a musical blend of the traditional and the wholly new, and colorful, costumed characters sprinkled throughout from the wilder and lesser-known Christmas traditions,” says producer Killian White. “We’re trying to capture that particular quality about the solstice, hushed yet intense, reminiscent of a dark wood set alight by the reflection of moon on snow. Yet with the humor and gaiety of the wild Christmases of yore.” 

This evening of story and song, suitable for any age with parental discretion, showcases the season in all of its nuance, through revelry and reverence.

Also featuring Perchten (above), German alpine solstice spirits who threaten children to finish spinning their yarn, lest the Perchten snip out their innards with giant scissors and replace them with straw and stones.

Producer and Director: Ethan Bowen
Producer: Killian White
Performers: Steve Augustus, Ethan Bowen, Mindy Branstetter, Amy Braun, Robert Melik Finkle, Jon Graham, Toby Mueller-Medlicott, Erica Robinson, Tyler Strong, Andrea Wicher and Erica Furgiuele
Choir: Justine Cavacas, Toby Mueller-Medlicott, Andrea Wicher, Erica Robinson, and Ethan Bowen
Musical Director: Justine Cavacas
Musicians: Justine Cavacas and Andrea Wicher
Props and Backdrop: Jeremy Seeger
Masks: Caro Tavelli-Abar (with Jordan Abar)
Select stories, songs, and poems written by: Steve Augustus, Mindy, Branstetter, Amy Braun, Robert Melik Finkle, Erica Robinson, and Ethan Bowen

Production History:

Spice Studio, December 2018 & 2019