Playlet: Santa Agonistes or the Tragical End of Santa Claus (including performance rights)

It has become a tradition for the English Department at Erfurt University to offer readings and performances of the lecturers’ favourite items of literature. Some lecturers write their own contributions, as in this case. This is a mild satire not attacking Christmas itself, but the gross commercialisation of this event in the Church calendar. The idea of Santa Claus being replaced by a hologram was meant as a joke, but reality can surpass even the most absurd elements of satire. It was only after writing the playlet that I discovered there are websites offering holograms of Father Christmas on a commercial basis.

For commercial performances, permission will be needed for the inclusion of the tune Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer; otherwise, this element can be removed without affecting the integrity of the play. Non-profit performances are covered by the copyright disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976.