Hanswurst

The figure of Hanswurst, regarded as the creation of Josef Anton Stranitzky (1676–1726), was a major element in traditional Viennese popular comedy. At the mercy of his appetite for food, drink and women, Hanswurst usually appeared on stage alone. His characteristic features were rustic dress, a short peasant-style haircut, a ruff, a pointed hat and a stick for thrashing people with. Addressing his comic remarks to the audience, he supplied improvised and often crude commentary on the action.