Hol's der Geyer

In the autumn of 1906, the theatre and cabaret known as the “Hölle” opened in the basement of the Theater an der Wien with the waltz Mephistos Höllenrufe by Johann Strauss. Since 2010, countless historical cabaret programmes and a dance intermezzo have again delighted audiences and critics alike. Inspired by Ferdinand Magellan’s exclamation, “He who stays on the shore can never discover new oceans!”, Georg Wacks, unceasingly supported by his prized ensemble, creates the major historical-heroic farewell anniversary revel Hol’s der Geyer! In the classic thirteenth programme old faces and new friends gather to pay tribute as an era comes to an end. Following Marcus Aurelius’s toast, “Think of what you have rather than what you lack”, the vestals of good taste, still exuding vitality, remember their strengths and weaknesses and join the cherished audience members in the “Hölle” in a splendid celebration. Sea shanties that touch the heart and the liver, Pavlovian dances, satirical Latin songs, international female metamorphoses and literary gems bring the mood of the “Hölle” back to life while the champagne flows freely and the room is kept well aired to guarantee a fabulous finale, after which anything could happen. The spectacular décor by Stefan Fleischhacker and Elena Schreiber is based entirely around Pablo Picasso’s 140th birthday and takes inspiration from Francisco Goya’s early caprichos. Humorous texts by Fritz Grünbaum, Fritz Löhner-Beda, Armin Berg, Christian Morgenstern and Seneca the Younger guarantee literature and humour of the highest standard. Songs by Victor Hollaender, Frank Wedekind, Paul Pallos and Richard Fall round off the programme. The perennially vigorous Albero Verde ensemble provides the music with their customary flawless playing. In the anniversary exhibition, Mein Kollege der Affe – Tiere im Kabarett (“My colleague the monkey – animals in cabaret”) Marie-Theres Arnbom presents enlightening facts and recently lost artefacts from Jewish revues. At the heart of the exhibition is the conflict between literary and authentic portrayals of our four-legged fellow sufferers.