“Herr Präsident de Woosch” The familiar cry echoes in my mind. It’s a phrase I’ve heard countless times. It’s the signature line from the Hännneschen-Theater’s famous puppet shows. Right here before you stands the Hännneschen-Theater a Cologne institution.
For over two centuries this unassuming building has hosted generations of Cologne’s favorite characters. It’s more than just a theater. It’s a living piece of Cologne’s history. The Hännneschen-Theater officially the Puppenspiele der Stadt Köln is a traditional hand puppet theater. It’s located in the southern Martinsviertel part of Cologne’s Altstadt-Nord.
The Hännneschen-Theater’s journey began in 1802. A tailor named Johann Christoph Winters founded it in the Mauthgasse. He started with simple nativity plays for children during Advent. Despite frequent changes of location Winters’ theater was a huge success. It even participated in Cologne’s first carnival parade in 1823. A remarkable achievement! The Hännneschen-Theater remains a participant in this beloved tradition.
Among Winters’ competitors was Franz Andreas Millewitsch. He opened a rival puppet theater in 1847. Millewitsch was a direct ancestor of the famous folk actor Willy Millowitsch. Imagine the rivalry! This was a significant battle for the heart of Cologne’s entertainment scene. After Winters’ death in 1862 his son-in-law Peter Josef Klotz took over. The theater continued its success until closing in 1919.
But the story doesn’t end there. Thanks to Konrad Adenauer and Carl Niessen’s efforts a commission was formed to revive the Cologne puppet shows. This led to the theater’s reopening on October 9 1926. It was under the city’s patronage as the “Puppenspiele der Stadt Köln”. The theater found a home in the Rubenshaus. A building where the painter Peter Paul Rubens spent his childhood. It’s even where Maria de’ Medici the former French queen passed away in 1642. Quite a history!
Since July 29 1938 the Hännneschen-Theater has resided at its current location on Eisenmarkt. The years leading up to and during the Second World War were challenging. The Hännneschen-Theater suffered damage during the bombing raids. This was true for much of the old town of Cologne. The theater however endured. Its performances resumed on September 7 1948.
The Hännneschen-Theater’s puppets aren’t just dolls. They are beloved characters that embody the spirit of Cologne. The shows feature recurring characters like Tünnes and Schäl Hännneschen and Bärbelchen. Their personalities represent the typical traits of a Cologne citizen. They are witty and charming but also have their flaws. This makes them relatable and deeply endearing.
One of the highlights is the annual puppet session. This is a hilarious parody of the Cologne carnival. It features not only the regular puppet characters but also puppet versions of current Cologne carnival celebrities. A unique blend of old and new.
The Hännneschen-Theater has adapted to the times. It has faced challenges like the cancellation of its television broadcast in 2015. This was due to financial reasons. However the shows went on. RTL West stepped in to record and broadcast the puppet session. It even held a public viewing event in 2017.
In 2021 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic the Hännneschen-Theater recreated the cancelled Rose Monday parade. It did this in miniature form with puppets. This feat was televised by WDR showcasing the resilience and creativity of this institution.
So here we stand before this unassuming building. It is steeped in history and brimming with laughter. The Hännneschen-Theater has weathered the storms and continues to be an essential part of Cologne’s cultural identity. Come inside and experience the magic!