German premier

Something moves behind a wall. Finally windows and hatches allow a view of partial faces, arms and legs that move in a doll-like mechanical-fashion. Or is this just an optical illusion? Nothing is definite, everything is intangible.

The figures were inspired by the creation of the painter, copperplate engraver and fine artist Lucas Cranach. Adam and Eve, Judith, a cardinal, the bishop with the fish, the Doctor Cuspinian and wife, the angel with the sword, Sibyl of Cleve, they all wander, torn from their normal surroundings, into an inflexible world where they, obsessed by the memories of a former existence, imprisoned by specific habits and behaviour patterns, hope for the understanding of future generations.

Born 1472 in Kronach, friend and fellow traveller of Martin Luther, Lucas Cranach laid the foundation for the Protestant art school. As the court painter for the Elector of Saxony in Wittenberg, he created portraits and religious paintings, and above all also perfectly painted erotic portrayals. Cranach owned a large art workshop, was twice mayor, and in 1553 died as a respected man in Weimar.

The city of Leipzig commissioned Cranach with many paintings. Those paintings, today expanded through further purchases, constitute one of the highlights of the Museum der bildenden Künste Leipzig.

Nicole Mossoux is a dancer and choreographer and Patrick Bonté is a playwright and director. Both were born in 1956, are working together since 1985 and created many extremely original productions as well as several films. The well-known company played in numerous European and African countries, in the USA and now, with »Cranach«, for its first time in Germany.