1/2 Ine van Kempen with a doll on the true size of Paulientje (photo: Erik Peeters)
She performed in Europe and in America, and thus belongs in the list of world -famous people from Brabant. Yet there are not so many people who know her: Paulientje Musters from Ossendrecht. Toneelgroep ‘Mothers’ from Heesch brings the remarkable story about the superstar of the past to life.
Paulina ‘Paulientje’ Musters lived from 1878 to 1895. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, she is the smallest woman who has ever lived. She never became longer than 61 centimeters due to an extremely rare growth defect.
Because of her special appearance, Paulina traveled as ‘Princess Pauline’ along fairs. First with her father and later with her sister and brother -in -law. People could admire her as ‘sight’.
“Although it is a tragic story, there is still plenty to laugh about the performance.”
“Now you would call exploitation, child labor or human trafficking, but at the end of the nineteenth century Paulientje and her family saw it as an opportunity to earn a lot of money. You have to place it in time, “says director Sjef Smid.
Sjef wrote the play ‘Wunderkammer’ about the life of Paulientje. “I had to circumvent the figure of Paulientje because of course there are no actors of this length. Yet she is everywhere through the stories that are told about her in the piece. Although it is a tragic story, there is still plenty to laugh about the performance. “
Ine van Kempen plays, among other things, an impresario trying to persuade Paulina’s father for the first time to exhibit his daughter. “Actually quite sad. But I understand that father cooperated to get the rest of the family out of the slop. And the mother had nothing to say at the time, “explains Ine.
Paulina’s family eventually became rich. Among other things, she had a large house built in Ossendrecht. Paulientje slowly fell into oblivion to the general public after her death. Only in the Ossendrecht area remained alive and kicking.
The interest around Paulientje has increased in recent years. Chairman John Mathijssen of Heemkundekring Het Zuidwartier is therefore happy with the play.
“Only a musical is still missing.”
“It’s great that this special piece of history can be shared with others in this way. There was already a book and now a play. Only a musical is missing. Maybe I should call about that with Albert Verlinde, “laughs Mathijssen.
The play ‘Wunderkammer’ will be played a total of four times on 7 and 8 March in a barn in Ossendrecht.
