A journey to days long gone
Jul 16th, 2009 by Christine Aberger
Visitors of Zell am See-Kaprun can look forward to discovering times gone by in a charming show set up by an ambitious group with a love for the Middle Ages. Anyone who wants to indulge in the lives of jugglers, knights, and noble men cannot afford to miss one special event: the Castle Spectacle which can be found as many as five times in the calendar of events this summer. This week’s mild Tuesday night was a perfect setting for the amateur actors of the association zue Caprun around Rainer Casna to celebrate this year’s premiere: an absolutely impressive spectacle which carried away young and old visitors alike.
The actors took us on a journey to days long gone and granted us an amusing insight into medieval life. Besides staging music and dance performances they also told their guests stories about a visit to the tavern which was inevitably followed by a martial quarrel, about the implications of suffering from a toothache in the Middle Ages, about life in a monastery or having dinner at the tables of counts and inquisitors. The court jester played his role with true enthusiasm and has a key role in the Castle Spectacle. Markus Feichter playing the part of the jester does not only entertain the spectators with his jokes and tricks but guides them through the programme in an absolutely unique and charming way, too.
Kaprun Castle offers the Castle Spectacle event the perfect setting. In addition to the show, visitors can set out on a guided tour with the lady of the castle Misha Hollaus.
Yesterday’s premiere had its climax in the armourer’s demonstration of his art. For the special occasion he treated the count’s guests to a sample of a secret powder from China – which is usually safely stored in the castle’s magazine – and turned the court into a sea of sparkling lights with his magnificent fireworks.
The first show this year was a resounding success which was honoured by the spectators with standing ovations: probably the most satisfying reward for every artist and the members of zue Caprun. The group was founded in 1996 and has staged the Castle Spectacle as many as seven times already. If you want to see the 20 actors on the 8th anniversary of the event, you are more than welcome to grab the opportunity. The show will be staged again on 21st July, 4th August, 11th August and 18th August 2009 at 8 pm.
Fans of the Middle Ages may want to participate in the Fortress Festival on 25th and 26th July 2009. When knights are fighting for fame and glory, half forgotten craftsmanship is being revived and you can hear the sound of horses’ hoofs on the castle’s bridge, then the time for the Fortress Festival has come!
Check out the photos of the Castle Spectacle on Flickr or on our Facebook fan page.
