
Premiering on 02.03.2024, Charlie Casanova took on a triple role in the Chemnitz Theater production of Bilder deiner großen Liebe, a theatrical adaptation of Wolfgang Herrndorf's unfinished novel. Directed by Katharina Kummer, the production featured Casanova not only as a performer but also as the designer for both stage and costumes. The play, performed at the Figurentheater Chemnitz, starred Casanova alongside Claudia Acker, forming an intimate cast of two that carried the emotionally charged, fragmented narrative.
The story follows Isa, a young woman who escapes from an institution and embarks on a wandering journey of self-discovery and encounters with the people and environments she traverses. Herrndorf's Isa is an enigmatic figure, blending wisdom, vulnerability, and rebellion as she navigates a world where notions of normalcy and certainty dissolve. Kummer’s interpretation created a kaleidoscopic experience, where realism intertwined with dreamlike elements, making the production both visually and emotionally resonant.

Casanova's multifaceted involvement demanded an extraordinary level of creativity and resilience. As both designer and actor, she balanced the intensive demands of creating visual worlds and inhabiting the deeply introspective character of Isa. For Casanova, it was also a significant artistic milestone, marking her first foray into a naturalistic acting style and managing the delivery of a voluminous, complex text.
Critics praised the production's inventiveness. Freie Presse highlighted the unique interpretation, noting its "wild trip" and "thought stream" that reflected Isa’s restless spirit. The review commended the cast's versatility, stating that Casanova and Acker "utilized the full repertoire of their skills, performing, singing, and animating puppets" to create an experience that captivated audiences.

The visual design, conceived entirely by Casanova, played a pivotal role in realizing the play’s erratic and poetic essence. The set's layered, abstract elements, alongside costumes that blurred lines between Isa’s internal and external worlds, added to the production's impact.
This ambitious project reaffirmed Casanova’s ability to seamlessly integrate her talents in visual art and performance, showcasing her evolving artistry in theatre and beyond.
Bilder deiner großen Liebe
Direction | Katharina Kummer
Stage and costumes | Charlie Casanova
Music | Karl Philipp Kummer, Carina Wohlgemuth
Dramaturgy | Friederike Spindler
With | Claudia Acker, Charlie Casanova
© Nasser Hashemi