His Story

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Adalbert Klingler (*December 28, 1896, in Zürich-Riesbach; †November 28, 1974, in Zürich-Oerlikon) was the pioneer of artistic hand puppetry in Switzerland. As the father of the Migros-Kasperli at Park im Grüene and the author of numerous Kasperli plays as well as poems in Zürich dialect, he significantly shaped the Swiss puppetry scene.

 

The Connection to Petra Klingler

What makes Adalbert Klingler particularly special for this website: He is the great-grandfather of Petra Klingler and the grandfather of her mother, Regula Klingler, who keep his story alive with this book.

 

The beginnings of his passion

At the age of five, Klingler first encountered puppetry and was immediately fascinated. Despite various professional roles, including working as a tailor and insurance agent, he dedicated his life to his passion for puppetry. His career led to significant engagements, including at the Swiss National Exhibition “Landi 39” in Zürich, where he captivated over 70,000 children with his Kasperli theater.

 

Breakthrough & Career Highlights​

In 1946, Klingler was hired by Gottlieb Duttweiler, the founder of the Migros Cooperative Federation, for the Park im Grüene in Rüschlikon. This made him the first permanently employed puppeteer in Switzerland. His performances, supported by his wife Hilde and later by his eldest daughter Irmgard, attracted hundreds of visitors with the “Klingler Künstler Kasperlitheater” – both adults and children alike. Both in Park im Grüene and on tours throughout the German-speaking regions of Switzerland, his work left a lasting impact on Swiss cultural history.

 

His Legacy

Adalbert Klingler wrote around 100 Kasperli plays in authentic Zürich dialect, of which approximately 25 were published. His works are still performed at Park im Grüene today, bearing witness to his legacy as the father of Swiss hand puppetry.