Kiepenkasper The Kiepenkasper in London where he performed in Covent Garden, the home of his British cousin Mr. Punch.

Uwe Spillmann has travelled with his puppet theater "Kiepenkasper" throughout the world: England, Greece, Turkey, Finnland, South Africa, New Zealand, and also the USA. "Kiepe" is actually Northern German for a basket carried mostly by travelling salesmen in the old days. For the Kiepenkasper it is his home and stage for his performances, along with other puppets.

And who is behind this Punch and Judy show? Uwe Spillmann's love for puppets began as a child. Since 1996 he has been performing with his own Kiepenkasper at festivals and markets, but also schools and shows worldwide. Mr. Spillmann is actually a teacher of German and English, and his puppets have assisted him often in teaching a foreign language. Even if your German is not perfect, you will enjoy the many photos on Kiepenkasper's webpage.

You are invited to an afternoon of fun. Let us give a warm welcome to Uwe Spillmann and his Kiepenkasper here in Tuscaloosa. Thursday, January 24, 2008, 4 p.m. Shelby Hall 150. This event is free and open to the public and generously sponsored by Capstone International at the University of Alabma and Mercedes Benz US International.