Kasperle. Riflessioni sul nome del protagonista del teatro dei burattini

Abstract

Throughout the centuries the Biblical term Magi (Mt 1,1-12) has stimulated people’s imaginations and transformed an indeterminate group of unnamed persons into the Three Kings. The spread of their names is mainly based on the veneration of their relics at Cologne. Sanctus Casparus, a figure of religious plays, gradually became a comedian. In the 18th century, now named Kasperle, he took over the buffoon role of Hanswurst. Ever since the romantic period Kasperle, conserving his former characteristics – dialogue with the public, extemporization, and cunning – has been a pedagogical model for children, helping them to cope with their fears.

1) Transformation of the Biblical Magi into the Three Kings

2) Variations of the name Casper/Gaspare/Kaspar (first and last names)

3) Metamorphosis of Sanctus Casparus into a buffoon and a figure of puppet shows