In 2007, the Schering Stiftung sponsored Algot Storm, a musical play initiated at the Konzerthaus by Zukunft Konzerthaus, the association of friends and sponsors of the concert hall on Gendarmenmarkt. The play introduces children to art and culture in an age-appropriate way and promotes their musical education and aesthetic perception. Having premièred in November 2007, the production is now part of the repertory of the Konzerthaus Berlin and thus will continue to enthrall both children and parents alike.

“Algot is a little guy, always friendly, always shy.” This is how the story of Algot Storm begins. But who is this Algot? – He is an elderly gentleman with lots of time on his hands. He strives to be always friendly and kind, he loves order and nature. His special affection is for music. For this reason, he has practiced a simple tune, which he plays on the piano every day. And yet he is often very sad. Then Algot meets a worm. The worm needs Algot’s help and asks him to become his friend.

The play “Algot Storm” was written at a theater in the Swedish town of Kalmar, with the title character being taken from a 1985 children’s book by Barbro Lindgren (born 1937).

It is the story of an unusual friendship between a lonely gentleman and a worm. This bizarre pairing is representative of the relationship between adults and children and offers a host of opportunities to illuminate, with a quiet smile, the difficult yet also wonderful aspects of the interaction between generations. Music – the play features compositions by Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) – turns out to be the link between old and young, adults and children, knowledge and ignorance, resignation and hope.

“Algot Storm” is an imaginative, musical play for both children and adults, characterized by quiet humor and refreshing vitality.

Fotos: Henrik Jordan