Karl Drais and the invention of the bike: a piece full of history!

Karl Drais and the invention of the bike: a piece full of history!

on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., the play "Lauf Rad, Run" of the Chawwerusch Theater will be performed in the Wilgartishalle in Wilgartswiesen. This staging addresses the history of Karl Drais, the inventor of the impeller. The spectators not only expect an exciting history hour, but also a reflection on social challenges such as poverty and inequality.

The story is told by three cyclists who take the audience with them on a journey through time. In addition to the historical aspects, the devastating effects of the Tambora volcanic eruption in 1815 are also addressed in the play. This led to a "year without summer" in 1816 and resulted in global climatic changes. Woman and misery, especially in southwestern Germany, were the results of the crop failures caused by the catastrophic weather.

The invention of the bike

Karl Friedrich Drais patented his running machine, the Vélocipède, in February 1818. It resembles a modern bike and has a two -wheel construction with handlebar and saddle. In the context of hunger and poverty caused by the volcanic eruption, interest in alternative means of movement increased, as many horses died or needed. Then Drais ’invention became the" dream of all employees ", and within five years the bike experienced a significant upswing.

The staging in Wilgartswiesen is aimed at families and is suitable for children and adults from the age of nine. Michael Schindler from the ADFC expressed positive feedback on the idea, which is designed both entertaining and instructive. The various topics offer age -appropriate embedding of historical topics and social realities.

For those who want to learn more about the piece, detailed information and ticket links are available on the website of the Chawwerusch Theater. The connection between the history of the bicycle and the global events in the 19th century is thus illustrated in an innovative way.