After exactly 1,034 long days, the children and young people of the Young Ensemble will finally be back in front of the audience on the huge Palace stage on Saturday: Germany’s most elaborate Young Show ‘In the Labyrinth of Books’ will celebrate its eagerly awaited comeback on 19 November with a sold-out premiere. The spectacular new version has been redesigned in many places – with new sets and choreography. More than 100 children and young people per performance take on all the roles, including the main roles and the artistic performances, in two independent casts – unique in the world in terms of stage dimensions and equipment.
Image above: The young ensemble of the Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin | Photo: Nady El-Tounsy
“In the Labyrinth of Books” is a journey through world-famous fairy tales and stories. Lea, Jule and Ben fly with their new classmate Mayla on the wings of their imagination to Robin Hood, Robinson Crusoe and the Three Musketeers – with the help of apple tea, the scatterbrained fairy Appelina and lots of books. But when they lose Ben to Snow White and the Evil Queen, chaos ensues. Will they find Ben again in the labyrinth of books and stories?
“After 34 months that seemed endless from a child’s point of view, it is great that our young ensemble can finally perform again on its stage at the Palast. During the pandemic, young people in particular had to do without a lot. Yet the kids and their families have persevered, and that alone deserves admiration. The admiration is almost boundless when you then see our young artists on stage. They carry the Young Show with confidence and enthusiasm – as if they had never been away,” says Dr Berndt Schmidt, artistic director of the Palast, producer and originator of the Young Show.
In January, there were eight performances in Berlin-Wittenau at the Fontane House under the title “NEW YEAR – NEW JOY” so that the kids could get a taste of the stage again. However, the short series of performances was in no way comparable to the dimensions of a Young Show at the Palast.
The production of the new version of the Young Show is by Corinna Druve. ‘In the Labyrinth of Books’ was adapted technically and in terms of content. Robinson Crusoe, for example, is hit by a violent storm surge on his island with real water, a huge indoor geyser, waterfalls and 14 fountains. Furthermore, guests can expect an 11-metre sailing ship, the Mirror Palace and new songs and choreographies on the largest theatre stage in the world.
Chris Moylan, who usually works for stars like Rihanna, Katy Perry or Paul Van Dyk, contributes the lighting design. Star choreographer Detlef Soost, among others, has been enlisted for the choreography. Musical direction is by Sebastian Brand, who has worked as a musical performer, composer and musical director in Vienna and St. Gallen, among other places. The composers Josef Bach, Peter Keller, Arne Schumann, Jasmin Shakeri and Martin Wingerath are also part of the creative team, as are Jan Wünsche (video design) and Hannes Lippert (video animation). Costume design and set design are by José Luna.
With 280 members from over 20 nations, the young ensemble is the largest children’s and youth ensemble in Europe. It has been awarded the Cultural Prize of the State of Berlin and the German Children’s Cultural Prize by the German Children’s Fund for outstanding achievements in working with children.
WHEN?
Thursday, 17 November 2022 until Friday, 27 January 2023
WHERE?
Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin
Friedrichstrasse 107
10117 Berlin-Mitte
COST?
For children from 9,80 Euro
For adults from 19,80 Euro
Timely booking is recommended.
