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The performance Emil and the Detectives is based on a novel for children by the German writer Erich Kästner (1899–1974) who is certainly acknowledged as one of the most widely read children’s writers. The novel, which was first published in 1929, is Kästner’s first and also most popular children’s book. It was translated into more than 60 languages and has already seen quite a number of stage and film adaptations, the last one premiered in Germany in 2001.


It is a tale about a schoolboy Emil Tischbein, who lives alone with his mother in the (fictional) German town of Neustadt. During his holidays, his mother sends him to Berlin to visit his relatives with 140 marks in his pocket, which he is to give to her elderly mother. On his way he is very careful not to lose the money and even uses a needle to pin it inside the pocket of his jacket. On the train to Berlin, Emil meets a curious man, Max Grundeis. This man gives the boy a mysterious piece of chocolate, from which he immediately falls asleep. When he wakes up, Emil is appalled to discover that the money and Herr Grundeis are gone. Will he be able to get his money back? An exciting detective chase begins…

 

 

Premiere: September 2014, Grand Stage LGL

 

 

  • Author:
    Erich Kästner

  • Director:
    Ajda Valcl

  • Performers:
    Emil: Nik Škrlec g.a.;
    Grundeis: Jernej Kuntner;
    Gustav, Boy in Neustadt, Lady 2 in Berlin: Rok Kunaver;
    Professor, Tram conductor, Loudspeaker, Man from Berlin: Jan Bučar;
    Grandma, Bank clerk, Fat woman in Neustadt, Woman from Berlin: Nina Skrbinšek;
    Mother, Petzold, Lady 1 in Berlin: Alenka Tetičkovič;
    Pony the Hat, Girl in Neustadt, Woman from Berlin: Ajda Toman;
    Gerold, Jeschke, Policeman 2, Mister 1 in Berlin, Waiter: Matevž Müller;
    Dienstag, Policeman, Fat woman’s husband in Neustadt, Mister 2 in Berlin, Voice on the radio: Jure Lajovic

  • Dramatization:
    Simona Hamer, Ajda Valcl

  • Stage manager:
    Simona Hamer

  • Set and costume designer:
    Jasna Vastl

  • Music:
    Saša Lušič

  • Author of songs (lyrics, music):
    Robert Jukič

  • Choreography and movement:
    Sebastjan Starič

  • Lighting designer:
    Igor Remeta

  • Proof reader:
    Irena Androjna Mencinger

  • Production:
    Pija Bodlaj

  • Performance manager and sound designer:
    Aca Ilić

  • Lighting director:
    Srečo Brezovar

  • Set technician:
    Tomo Hvastja

  • Make-up and hairstyle designer:
    Nina Jordanovski

  • Creation of the set, remodelling of props and costumes:
    Sandra Birjukov, Iztok Bobić, Jernej Remše (sole trader), Zoran Srdić, Marjeta Valjavec, Urška Štrukelj, Ključavničarstvo Mehle Uroš (sole trader)

  • Creation of straw hats:
    Joži Košak

  • Cloak-room attendants:
    Nina Jordanovski, Maša Erčulj