Nelson Fringe: Steiner and the Snake

Steiner and the Snake
Robert Düssler (Paekakariki)

A tumultuous and darkly humorous one-person play about Rudolf Steiner, his troubling philosophy and the sh*t storm that ensues whenever his bizarre doctrines are challenged.

Side-stepping natural sciences, Steiner’s insights reflect the racism of his time, his German nationalism and the fertile imagination of an ‘initiate’ let loose on a world hungry for the esoteric.

Behind Waldorf education, biodynamic agriculture and many other connected initiatives of the early 20th century of the lurks a troubling philosophy concocted by Rudolf Steiner. Well-guarded by its followers, Anthroposophy, a ‘spiritual science’, bases itself on Steiner’s direct access to the spiritual worlds and to the ‘Akasha Chronic’, where the complete history of the universe is said to be conveniently recorded.

How does Steiner maintain his magnetic hold over tens of thousands of followers – 100 years after his death? Unfortunately, many of his followers don’t take kindly criticism…
Steiner and the Snake aims to give a voice to those under his spell and to those who struggle to extricate themselves.

Join Robert Düssler for a fascinating deep dive into Austria’s best-known occultist, social reformer, architect, esotericist and claimed clairvoyant.

Season Premiere!
General admission
Duration: 50mins
Tickets: $18 +50c booking fee