Krümel and Stelze: Poetic children's theater for the very youngest in Mainz

Krümel and Stelze: A poetic theater experience for the very youngest

When a little crumb desperately wants to be big, a loving journey through the world of children's wishes begins in the Mainz Kammerspiele. The KRÜMEL Theater presents Carla Mazzini's play Krümel and Stelze on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 11:00 am for children from two years old and their families.

A friendship between small and large

Krümel admires his big friend Stelze. He wants to own big flowers, sit on high chairs, and finally be big himself. Especially the magnificent flower Anemona awakens his longing for size. However, when Stelze gives him a cutting, the plant doesn't grow quickly enough. Krümel's impatience becomes the starting point of a warm-hearted story about friendship, care, and self-acceptance.

The dramaturgy of childish wishing

The focus of the production is the game When I am big. On Stelze's lap, Krümel shares his dreams for the future: he wants to be a digger driver, veterinarian, gardener, or chef. Directed by Claudia Wehner, these imaginative ideas are combined with a clear, sensually perceivable dramaturgy that directly reaches even very young viewers.

A dream that changes everything

When Krümel falls asleep during the game, the stage transforms into a dream space. He begins to grow, becoming bigger and bigger until he eventually towers over Stelze. However, the apparent freedom of being big brings new challenges. With humor and poetic imagery, Krümel discovers that being small also has special advantages.

Theater for the very youngest

The KRÜMEL Theater, under the direction of Katharina Luckhaupt, has been dedicated to theater experiences for children from two years old since 2006. The productions combine acting, puppetry, closeness, and interactive play offers. In Mainz, Katharina Luckhaupt and Otto Senn perform. The show lasts about 35 minutes; afterwards, an interactive follow-up is planned.

Stage art with closeness and feeling

The art of acting relies on concentrated encounters, understandable character guidance, and a theater atmosphere that does not overwhelm young children. The focus is on the stage design, the lively physicality of the characters, and the emotional acoustics of direct play. A review in the Mainz Allgemeine Zeitung highlights how humorously the production conveys the advantages of being small to children.

Conclusion: A first grand stage experience

Krümel and Stelze provides children from two years old with a gentle introduction to the world of theater. Families can expect a short, poetic, and humorous performance about size wishes, friendship, and security. Those who want to experience theater as an immediate stage experience with shining children's eyes and lively audience reactions will have a special morning in the Mainz Kammerspiele.

Official channels of KRÜMEL Theater:

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• Website: https://mainzer-kammerspiele.de/events/kruemel-theater-kruemel-und-stelze/

Sources:

• Mainzer Kammerspiele – Krümel and Stelze
• Mainzer Kammerspiele – About the Krümel Theater
• Rausgegangen Mainz – Event Information
• Frankfurter Rundschau – Discover the world with Krümel