zeit.de
Longtime Oktoberfest Executioner Hjalmar Ringo Praetorius Dies at 82
Hjalmar Ringo Praetorius, the 82-year-old executioner at Munich's Schichtl Oktoberfest theater, passed away, ending a 40-year career of performing comedic mock executions with a guillotine in over 300 shows annually.
- How did Hjalmar Ringo Praetorius's role as executioner contribute to the overall Oktoberfest experience?
- Praetorius's death marks the end of a 40-year career at Schichtl's Oktoberfest theater, where he played the role of the executioner in a comedic guillotine act. His role involved selecting audience members at random for mock executions, delivering humorous lines, and then 'reviving' them. This tradition, dating back to 1870, has become iconic.
- What is the significance of Hjalmar Ringo Praetorius's death for the Schichtl Oktoberfest theater and its traditions?
- Hjalmar Ringo Praetorius, the longtime executioner of Schichtl's Oktoberfest theater, died at 82. He'd worked there for 40 years, performing mock executions with a guillotine in over 300 shows during each Oktoberfest. His death was reported by multiple German media outlets.
- What are the potential implications of Praetorius's death for the future of the comedic guillotine act at Schichtl's theater, and how might the tradition evolve?
- Praetorius's passing raises questions about the future of Schichtl's traditional guillotine act. His understudy, Martin Kollmann, has already taken over, ensuring the continuation of this long-standing Oktoberfest tradition. The longevity of this particular form of dark humor within the context of the larger Oktoberfest celebration remains to be seen.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is overwhelmingly positive, focusing on Ringo's longevity, the owner's grief, and the theatrical spectacle. The potentially morbid nature of his profession is downplayed with humorous anecdotes and euphemisms. The headline itself contributes to this positive framing by emphasizing his long career and Oktoberfest connection.
Language Bias
The article uses playful and euphemistic language to describe the violent nature of the theatrical performance. Terms like "Ringo der Schreckliche" (Ringo the Terrible) are presented within a humorous context. The description of the guillotining is lighthearted, minimizing the violent act. This could be considered a form of language bias as it downplays the potentially disturbing aspects of the performance.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the theatrical aspect of Ringo's work and his relationship with the theater owner, but omits any discussion of public reaction to the show or any potential ethical concerns about the nature of the performance. It also doesn't explore the history of the tradition or its place within the broader context of Oktoberfest.