Description
A cheeky boy, a brave gander – and a journey that changes them both.
Nils Holgersson is a boy full of mischief, curiosity, and a good dose of defiance. He thinks the world is big enough not to take it too seriously – and small enough to shape it by his own rules. But a brief moment is enough, a small misstep towards a goblin, and suddenly everything is different: Nils shrinks to a tiny size. So small that from one moment to the next he becomes part of a world he never noticed. A world full of animals, voices, moods – and a rhythm not determined by him.
Confused, overwhelmed, and deprived of his size, Nils meets the domestic gander Martin. Stubborn, warm-hearted, a bit chaotic, and full of dreams bigger than his wings. Between the two, a connection arises that is initially more about purpose than affection: Nils needs Martin's help, and Martin, who longs for recognition, sees a chance for a bigger life. When the impressive flock of wild geese passes by, led by the wise and headstrong Akka of Kebnekajse, an adventure begins for both that leads them through highs and lows – and into a friendship that changes them both.
The journey is rich in encounters: The ritual dance of the cranes, poetic and quiet. Two cunning crows plotting their own plans. An eagle whose past is deeply linked with Akka. And the fox Smirre, who patiently and cunningly tries to get Nils into his paws. All these episodes are small tests that Nils and Martin must pass together. Nils learns to listen, take responsibility, admit mistakes. Martin learns to believe in himself, find his voice, and stand up for his friends. Again and again, they reach their limits – and beyond. The journey shows: Courage is not just strength, courage is a decision. And friendship is not just there – it grows, layer by layer.
The production by Stefan Camenzind brings this world-famous story to the stage with a warm, modern, and child-friendly visual language. With fine humor, loving details, and big, quiet moments, a piece is created that takes children seriously and touches adults. A central part of the production is the live music by Marius Bear. His compositions give each scene its own color – sometimes powerful and wide like the sky over Sweden, sometimes delicate and quiet like a moment between two friends. The music carries Nils through his inner development and enhances the emotional lines of the piece. The ensemble – Yves Ullrich, Luigi Prezioso, Mirjam Baur, and other performers – portrays each character with heart, humor, and depth. Together they create a family theater that connects generations: poetic, witty, atmospheric, and full of warmth.
Nils Holgersson's wonderful journey is a modern, musical, and heartwarming piece about friendship, courage, responsibility, and the view of the world that changes when you suddenly become very small. A theater experience for families that resonates – in the mind and in the heart. BASED ON A STORY BY
Selma Lagerlöf
STAGE ADAPTATION & DIRECTION
Stefan Camenzind
MUSIC & LYRICS
Marius Baer
WITH NILS
Yves Ullrich
DOMESTIC GANDER MARTIN
Luigi Prezioso
DAUNENFEIN (OTHER ROLES)
Mirjam Baur
COSTUME DESIGN
Sabrina Moser
COSTUME PRODUCTION
Rheindesign
ILLUSTRATION
Mira Gisler
PRODUCTION ASSISTANCE
Debora Haller
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
Corinne Lüthi
Highlights
- Imaginative production for children
- Adventurous journey with Nils and Martin
- Performance at Kurtheater Baden
General Information
Nils Holgersson is a captivating children's show that tells the story of a boy who is shrunk by a goblin spell. Together with the gander Martin, he embarks on an adventurous journey that teaches him to see the world from a new perspective.
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Event Calendar
December 2026
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