Baron von Münchhausen
My very good friend, Baron von Münchhausen
A puppet theatre show by puppeteer Timo Väntsi and musician Kari Mäkiranta about the world’s most famous swindler and skier.
The audience is invited to revel in the incredible tales that have been making people laugh for 300 years. Baron von Münchhausen’s old friend intends to give his dear baron the chance to prove his stories are true. Now the lying baron’s reputation will be cleared! Accompanying this self-assured gentleman, a series of events unfolds that are true – at least in Baron von Münchhausen’s view.
The performance is a tribute to the stories we tell one another over a cup of coffee, in pubs, at bus stops, at funerals, in bed, and at work. It is a performance about life stories, life’s crazy moments, and camaraderie. What remains of us when the coffin is nailed shut, and what would we like to leave behind? Perhaps stories – and the crazier, the better.
‘My Very Good Friend Baron von Münchhausen’ is an entertaining and, at times, poignant puppet theatre production, whose script is a free adaptation of the marvellous adventures of Baron von Münchhausen as printed between the covers of the book. Award-winning puppeteer Timo Väntsi brings to life the ever-changing roles, both as human characters and as puppets. Musician Kari Mäkiranta provides the accompaniment as a cantor forgotten in the recesses of a dusty drawing room.
*The Adventures of Baron von Münchhausen* premiered at Tehdas Theatre in September 2016 and has since continued as a touring production across the country. Timo Väntsi (b. 1966) is a veteran puppeteer who has been awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal for his work. Kari Mäkiranta is an experienced theatre musician who has composed music for numerous professional theatres.
There is also a 20-minute live version of the show, a medley suitable as an entertainment item for a wide range of celebrations: birthdays, weddings and corporate events.
“…the result is an exceptionally entertaining puppet theatre show”
Irmeli Haapanen / Turun Sanomat
“The Baron is an incredibly likeable character; one is only too happy to forgive the lies that spill from the corners of his mouth. In fact, one finds oneself thinking: ‘Lie some more!’”
Jaakko Virrankoski / Ex-tempore theatre blog
Production team:
Script, puppets and set design: Timo Väntsi
Music: Kari Mäkiranta
Direction and performers: Timo Väntsi and Kari Mäkiranta
Lighting design: Jarkko Forsman
Costume design: Sari Stenlund
Graphic design: Wille Heino
Photographs: Jussi Virkkumaa
Running time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Target audience: adults and children accompanied by adults (recommended age 12+)
Production: TEHDAS Theatre
A puppet theatre show by puppeteer Timo Väntsi and musician Kari Mäkiranta about the world’s most famous swindler and skier.
The audience is invited to revel in the incredible tales that have been making people laugh for 300 years. Baron von Münchhausen’s old friend intends to give his dear baron the chance to prove his stories are true. Now the lying baron’s reputation will be cleared! Accompanying this self-assured gentleman, a series of events unfolds that are true – at least in Baron von Münchhausen’s view.
The performance is a tribute to the stories we tell one another over a cup of coffee, in pubs, at bus stops, at funerals, in bed, and at work. It is a performance about life stories, life’s crazy moments, and camaraderie. What remains of us when the coffin is nailed shut, and what would we like to leave behind? Perhaps stories – and the crazier, the better.
‘My Very Good Friend Baron von Münchhausen’ is an entertaining and, at times, poignant puppet theatre production, whose script is a free adaptation of the marvellous adventures of Baron von Münchhausen as printed between the covers of the book. Award-winning puppeteer Timo Väntsi brings to life the ever-changing roles, both as human characters and as puppets. Musician Kari Mäkiranta provides the accompaniment as a cantor forgotten in the recesses of a dusty drawing room.
*The Adventures of Baron von Münchhausen* premiered at Tehdas Theatre in September 2016 and has since continued as a touring production across the country. Timo Väntsi (b. 1966) is a veteran puppeteer who has been awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal for his work. Kari Mäkiranta is an experienced theatre musician who has composed music for numerous professional theatres.
There is also a 20-minute live version of the show, a medley suitable as an entertainment item for a wide range of celebrations: birthdays, weddings and corporate events.
“…the result is an exceptionally entertaining puppet theatre show”
Irmeli Haapanen / Turun Sanomat
“The Baron is an incredibly likeable character; one is only too happy to forgive the lies that spill from the corners of his mouth. In fact, one finds oneself thinking: ‘Lie some more!’”
Jaakko Virrankoski / Ex-tempore theatre blog
Production team:
Script, puppets and set design: Timo Väntsi
Music: Kari Mäkiranta
Direction and performers: Timo Väntsi and Kari Mäkiranta
Lighting design: Jarkko Forsman
Costume design: Sari Stenlund
Graphic design: Wille Heino
Photographs: Jussi Virkkumaa
Running time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Target audience: adults and children accompanied by adults (recommended age 12+)
Production: TEHDAS Theatre
Technical requirements
Electricity and lighting are required for the full performance, to be provided by the venue. Sound equipment is supplied with the production. The audience area may be a level floor; the action takes place mainly at a table height of 90 centimetres.The short version requires electricity, but not necessarily theatre lighting.
