When humor meets humor, there’s twice as much to smile about. At the St. Pölten Bühne im Hof, this motto comes to life with the Cartoon Foyer. In cooperation with the Karikaturmuseum Krems, drawn humor meets live performance here.

There are many parallels between cabaret and critical cartooning in particular. What connects them? Their socio-political significance. 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’re constantly stuck in our own bubble, it’s hard to accept a different opinion.” The Karikaturmuseum Krems sees itself in a kind of mediating role. The goal is to keep the discussion going “without immediately dismissing a different opinion.” Humor can be the common ground, the path through which people with differing views can come together again. This applies equally to cabaret and caricature. 

Getting to the heart of the matter and looking beyond it—that’s what both caricature and the broad spectrum of art at the Bühne im Hof achieve. Hauer compares political caricature to stand-up comedy. Both are fast-paced, creative, witty, and socially and politically relevant. Because, as Hauer emphasizes, “A lack of critical thinking spells the end of democracy.”

An artist who is at home in both forms of artistic expression was the first to exhibit in the Caricature Foyer: Stefanie Sargnagel draws, writes, and performs on stage. These related disciplines complement each other well. The Cartoon Foyer brings together two media with a similar impact. There’s no better way to make the most of the moment of waiting and anticipation for a cultural experience than with a taste of another art form.

The illustrations currently on display from Monika Ernst’s book “Vogelperspektiven – G‘schichten übers Miteinander“ humorously explore the issue of a lack of tolerance – making for an ideal break-time stop or a charming way to get in the mood for the performance at the Bühne im Hof.