Nationwide Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Paper theatre is characterised through its variety and every piece is unique. The players are combining historical and modern scenes that they accompany live or with recordings. After the show most players invite their audience to see the back of the stage.

In Germany, paper theatre has a tradition that spans over 200 years. Many decorations, character sheets and text booklets from the 19th century have been preserved to this day However, paper theatre does not exist only in archives and showcases, as it has experienced a renaissance since the 1980s. Today, there is a lively scene in Germany and Europe that meets at festivals such as the "Papiertheatertreffen" in Preetz. This is also where cross-border European cooperation takes place, with jointly organized symposia, exhibitions and festivals.

Paper theatre in schools and seminars

Paper theatre requires creativity, precision and craftsmanship. Workshops are offered for children in order to introduce younger people to paper theatre. Schools also invite paper theatre actors to stage literary classics, for example, in German classes. The Academy of Cultural Education of the Federal Government and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia offers seminars for adults. Paper theatre inspires people of every age, especially the physically ill or dementia patients who can follow the calm images and slow movements.