Jan Klaassen

Erik van Ophem , Poppenkast OPGEPAST

poppenkast opgepast

Jan Klaassen, together with his wife Katrijn, is the protagonist of a puppet show that has been known in the Low Countries since approximately 1700. Jan Klaassen is most likely based on Pulcinella from the Italian commedia dell'arte and originally had the same appearance, namely a high hump and a pointed belly. He has a large nose that is red (with booze). The chin is bent towards the nose. He wears a high pointed hat that hangs forward, with a bell or tassel at the tip. His feet stick in clogs. He's a stupid character with a heart of gold. He often involves the audience in the game. For example, he will ask them to pay attention to a certain object and to call him if something happens to it. It is clear from the outset that this will go wrong. Yet all his adventures have a happy ending. The Jan Klaassen game is traditionally played with hand puppets in a puppet theater. Jan Klaassen is always held by the puppeteer on the right hand, the other characters on the left.

Puppeteers needed: 1

Main material: Paper

Year of creation: 2009

Creator: Erik van Ophem

Company: Poppenkast OPGEPAST

Country: Netherlands

Categories:
  • Human
Other materials:
  • Foam
  • Other

Story & inspiration: Jan Klaassen, together with his wife Katrijn, is the protagonist of a puppet show that has been known in the Low Countries since approximately 1700. Jan Klaassen is most likely based on Pulcinella from the Italian commedia dell'arte and originally had the same appearance, namely a high hump and a pointed belly. He has a large nose that is red (with booze). The chin is bent towards the nose. He wears a high pointed hat that hangs forward, with a bell or tassel at the tip. His feet stick in clogs. He's a stupid character with a heart of gold. He often involves the audience in the game. For example, he will ask them to pay attention to a certain object and to call him if something happens to it. It is clear from the outset that this will go wrong. Yet all his adventures have a happy ending. The Jan Klaassen game is traditionally played with hand puppets in a puppet theater. Jan Klaassen is always held by the puppeteer on the right hand, the other characters on the left.

Height: Width: Length:
420mm 155mm 155mm