December, 2005 - Nr. 12
E.T.A. Hoffmann Fest at Wilfrid Laurier University
by Gerhard Griebenow
Wilfrid Laurier University’s German Drama Group and Faculty of Music, represented by an enthusiastic group of actors, singers and support staff of over 40 students, presented a "Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann Fest" November 25th and 26th at Laurier’s Theatre Auditorium, to commemorate Hoffman as author and composer of the early 19th century. And of course Tschaikovsky’s ever popular ballet "The Nutcracker" – a standard during the Christmas season – was inspired by Hoffmann’s "Nussknacker und der Mäuse König", which formed part of the Fest.
There were several outstanding acting performances in this group. The sopranos and tenor from the Music Faculty surprised with their talents and range of voices. And a special note belongs to the costume designer, Helen Basson, who did an excellent job on the costumes ranging from the "Nussknacker" to the "Elfen" to the "Mäuse".
The performances were supported by power-point slides and text in English, which helped those, who did not always hear what was being said in German, to follow the storyline. What is so important in these presentations is the opportunity given to the students to apply the language they are learning in fun projects that delight audiences. It is unfortunate that all this effort goes into just 3 performances. The entire process of memorizing the story in a foreign language - German -, then acting it out and at the same time focusing not only on the pronounciation, but also on making sure the largely German audience hears what is being said, can be overwhelming. A tremendous effort by Dr. Alexandra Zimmermann, who directed the entire "Fest" and the entire group.
![Hoffmann Fest 2005: Part of the cast [photo: Laurier Theatre 2005]](512c-HW_Griebenow.jpg)
Audience and performers had an opportunity to get together after the show to share in the enthusiasm over hors d’oeuvres and refreshment in the lobby of the Maureen Forrester Recital Hall, while reviewing Hoffmann-related exhibits displayed in the lobby.
Very refreshing, beyond the local contributions, was the generous sponsorship of the event by the Consulate General of the Republic of Germany in Toronto represented by Vice Consul Sebastian Bischoff, who personally attended the event till very late in the evening. This level of sponsorship and participation is a major motivator for all those learning the German language and culture at schools and universities in the area.
