“And he lets go of the balloon and it flies and flies and flies…” It was as quiet as a mouse in the circus wagon as Birgit Hackl described one of the highlights of the story about little Amin in warm Bavarian with her wonderfully versatile storytelling voice address absolutely wants to send to Santa Claus. Because he has never visited the boy up there, in his village in the mountains.
The 38-year-old Baldhamerin also has a “never” moment this late afternoon. Because it is her premiere as a storyteller, to whom she welcomes mothers, grandmothers, kindergarten and school children in the lovingly restored circus wagon at the Reitsberger Hof.
Such menu evenings will be held again in January and February 2023.
(Photo: private)
The idea for the series of events came from Anna Link, the manager of the Gasthof Landlust. Her husband discovered the vehicle on the Internet in 2021. It was in Hanover – there were many interested parties.
The fact that the contract went to Vaterstetten is due to Link’s noticeable enthusiasm and the concept for using it as a place for lectures, movies, gin tasting or dinner evenings. The benches from a tram make it possible: the direction of the backrests can be adjusted.
Today they all point in one direction, forwards, where Hackl has now reached story number three. She doesn’t wear a disguise, which is by no means necessary, as she captivates the approximately 20 people with her gripping words, sweeping gestures, expressive facial expressions and the modulation of her voice. And of course with the content of the ten to 15, maximum 20-minute stories.
“As a narrator you have a great responsibility”
Well-known and popular songs like “All Years Again” sound much nicer with guitar accompaniment.
(Photo: M. Pelz)
For example, it is about Marie and the wonderfully glittering Christmas bird, which unfortunately has an accident. About Amin, who, in the tradition of Charles Dickens, touches a heart at Christmas. And about Theresa, a princess of a completely different kind, who prefers jeans and rubber boots to a floor-length glittering dress. This story is an absolute hit – although one of the boys shouts outraged at the end, to everyone’s amusement: “Actually, the man is supposed to save the princess!”
Hackl has set himself the task of playing with clichés and showing that “not all stories have to be the way they have always been”. “As a storyteller who touches her audience deeply emotionally, you have a great responsibility to only continue telling stories whose message suits you,” she emphasizes. That’s why she often rewrites existing fairy tales and stories, and by incorporating sounds or ‘comic relief’ she ensures that the tension is never unbearable. Even the adults are enthusiastic and enchanted.
She draws and writes for the members’ booklet of the Association for the Promotion of Bavarian Language and Dialects.
(Photo: private)
The native Forstseeonerin owes the sovereignty of her appearance to her training – more of that in a moment. But the fact that the mother of three and trained educator still regularly visits various kindergartens to tell the girls and boys stories also plays a role.
This is also the reason why the woman with the contagious smile addresses some of the children by their names when she actively involves them in what is happening. When asked: “What do you think Princess Theresa has in her handyman’s belt?” comes like a shot from a pistol: “Hammer, saw, cordless screwdriver.” And thanks to Hackl’s talent for improvisation, this later plays a crucial role when the not-so-loving maiden has to free her friend Max from the clutches of a wicked witch.
But why did Hackl, who studied social work after training as a teacher and married into a farm, chose the one and a half year old at all Course to become a certified storyteller decided? After all, this is not only time-consuming, but also “not cheap”?
Not only does she have props with her, she also has sheepskins to sit on for her audience.
(Photo: M. Pelz)
First of all, she is a “stage person” and has always played in the theater, explains the woman with many talents – she not only makes music, but also likes to write and draw.
“Above all, I was looking for something that I could use to contribute to the family income. A permanent job is out of the question, everyday life with three children and elderly people in need of care doesn’t allow it.” That’s why she’s now working with a dozen or so other interested people on her stage presence, cramming structure, selection and rewriting of stories so that they fit the target group and are coherent.
Although the final exam is not until June 2023, she has already mastered it, as can be seen in the hour and a half. It is not known whether the red heart-shaped balloon, which goes perfectly with the velvet curtains and seats, will be used again. Because Birgit Hackl has decided to always tell different stories. But what remains the same: The start at the fire bowl with delicious apple juice from the farm – hot of course – and mulled wine.
Every Thursday at 4 p.m. until December 15. Also on December 11th/12th. Reitsberger Hof, Vaterstetten. Information and registration: [email protected]