“I'm not in the mood for cabaret, though, and never have been,” reads the caption above the comic figure. Unlike the caricature with its typically eccentric characters penned by Nicolas Mahler, here we are very much in the mood for cabaret and surprised to encounter drawings by the well-known caricaturist in this very place. After all, the works are hanging in the foyer of the stage in the courtyard, where one waits for a concert, a culinary show, or, yes, a cabaret.

There are many parallels between cabaret and critical drawing. What connects them? Their socio-political significance. “We live under one artistic roof. Humor allows us to address issues that society can no longer tolerate,” says Gusenbauer.
A humorous drawing or text can address topics that are controversial or painful. Humor can break down taboos. It often has a unifying effect. The museum director mentions the heated culture of debate: “When we are constantly in our own bubble, it is difficult to accept a different opinion.”
The Karikaturmuseum Krems sees itself in a kind of mediating role. It is about keeping the discussion going “without immediately dismissing a different opinion.” Humor can be the common ground, the way in which people with different views can come together again. This applies equally to cabaret and caricature. 

Getting to the heart of the matter and looking beyond it is something that both caricature and the broad spectrum of art at the Bühne im Hof achieve. Hauer compares political caricature with stand-up comedy. Both are fast-paced, creative, witty, and socially and politically relevant. Because, as Hauer emphasizes, “Uncritical acceptance is the end of democracy.” An artist who is skilled in both forms of artistic expression was the first to exhibit in the caricature foyer: Stefanie Sargnagel draws, writes, and performs on stage. The related disciplines complement each other well. The Karikaturfoyer combines two media with a similar effect. There is no better way to use the moment of waiting and anticipation for a cultural experience than with an appetizer from another art form.