Comics on stage: speech bubble inspires in Kiel!

Comics on stage: speech bubble inspires in Kiel!

On July 7, 2025, an exciting premiere will take place at the Schauspielhaus Kiel, bringing the world of comics to the stage. Tristan Benzmüller, the company's dramaturge, is the brains behind the new “Spechblade” format, which celebrates the diversity and creativity of comic art. With passion and a keen sense of dramaturgy, Benzmüller, who devoured great classics like Lucky Luke and Asterix as a child, wants to establish comics as a serious form of cultural expression. Despite his waning interest during his youth, his fascination remains unbroken. The recently announced launch of “Speech Bubble” promises to bring a breath of fresh air into the theater. [Kn-online] reports that the first live reading with images and sounds can be experienced next Sunday, which focuses on the graphic novel “Juliette” by Camille Jourdy.

"Juliette" tells the touching and at the same time captivating life of a children's book illustrator who returns from Paris to the provinces and becomes entangled in a tangled family secret. For the theatrical implementation, emphasis is placed on gripping dialogues and psychological depth. Five actors are used to bring the main and supporting characters to life. The “Theater to Turn the Pages” event begins at 8 p.m. in the foyer of the theater. Tickets are available by phone at 0431/901901.

Modern stories for the stage

The Schauspielhaus doesn't just present named graphic novels. In another exciting project that bridges mythology and contemporary themes, the piece “Modern Mermates” by Simone Saftig will be performed. The story revolves around two mermaids Amphinome and Thetis, who refer to themselves as Mermates. After a failed court case, the two monsters transform into eco-terrorists, criticizing role assignments, clichés and the pollution of the oceans.

“Modern Mermates” is not only exciting, but has also been honored with the “Text Flimmern” playwright prize, which is worth 7,000 euros. The winning play was selected from over 50 submissions and is scheduled for the first performance in January 2025 in the Schauspielhaus studio. The patron of the prize, which is guaranteed by the Berenberg Bank Foundation's Culture Prize, is Caren Jeß. She describes the piece as an amusing fusion of mythology and pop culture that sparks humor and curiosity.

Comics and Theater: An Emerging Connection

Since the 1990s, the popularity of comics has not only increased in print media, but has also taken on a crucial role in other art forms. The phenomenon of “theater comics” is increasingly coming into focus. According to a study, theater is increasingly becoming a platform for visual aesthetics and stories from comics. The intermedia exchange has great potential and fascinates not only the viewers, but also the creative actors. [Theatre Studies] shows that the adaptation of comic material does not occur without friction and enriches theater enormously in its form of expression.

Overall, it can be said that both “Speech Bubble” and “Modern Mermates” aim to reach new audiences and promote dialogue between different art forms. The combination of visual art and performing arts in the theater offers a unique experience that is also very relevant in the context of the current discussion about climate change and cultural identity.