As part of the special exhibition KASSEL FILMREIF!, various film-related events took place at the Stadtmuseum Kassel 2022/23. In this context, I conducted a zoetrope workshop for families on March 11, 2023.

In this Zoetrope workshop, children, teenagers, and adults experienced firsthand how to bring drawn images to life through hands-on participation. The twelve participants developed their own ideas and created animations on one-meter-long paper strips, each consisting of 15 slightly varied drawings. Using historical optical devices – including the zoetrope, also known as the “wonder drum” – they set their image sequences in motion.

The zoetrope, invented in 1834, played an important role in the early history of film. It displays multiple images in rapid succession, creating the illusion of motion for the viewer.

The animations, played in a continuous loop on the zoetrope, were accompanied by music synchronized to match the rhythm of the movement.

Due to high demand – the workshop was fully booked with twelve participants – the event could easily have been held a second time.

Watch a report by the Hessian Broadcast TV.

• Read more about my zoetrope workshop.
• Discover my films or my Animated-Film-Show.
• My blog shares impressions from my past activities.
• See a list of current and past events.
• Can’t wait to own a zoetrope? Click here for a zoetrope craft kit.

See some pictures of the workshop.