Unbeatable Theatrical Performances

Unbeatable theatrical performances of classics, aimed at children and young people, which also speak to an adult audience.  This form of dramatic storytelling is Det Lille Turnéteater’s trademark. In a very elegant way, the theatre is able to transform a good story into immediately recognizable and original images.

A good story is the beginning of all great theatre experiences in the universe of Det Lille Turnéteater. As an extremely lively raconteur, the theatre breathes new life into the stories, while preserving their original intent and inner soul.  A central focus of the theatre’s work is to spur the audience actively to form their own personal images and empathetic emotions.

During the theatre’s first decade, it almost exclusively put on performances born primarily by the spoken world and a minimalist acting style.  Later, the theatre has made use of more theatrical tools, such as puppets, computer animation, and a more wide-ranging use of light, sound and decoration.

Current Productions

Kling Klang
(2006)
There is sound and music everywhere. Music which creates images. Kling Klang is a warm, magical and wonderful piece about the music that evolves around and in-between us, you and me.
Exciting and remarkable soundscapes with a profound influence on both us and our surroundings come into existence whatever instrument is selected: a carrot, a bike frame, a water tap or even a dustbin. Every object unfolds and reveals new dimensions to itself.
The performance is concerned with the unpredictable in the meeting between people as well as with communication both verbal and non-verbal. It addresses the opportunity of finding each other – even though we may appear utterly different on the surface.
Language versions: English
Age group: 2-8 years old
Max. audience number: 80

Dorthes hjerte / Dorthe’s Heart
(2004)
A theatre concert, rich in images, for the very small.  A heart-warming play about emotions, told with song and music.  With simplicity, musicality and easily understandable visuals, the performance appeals to children and adults alike.
Language versions: English
Age group: 2-6 years old
Max. audience number: 80

Hamlet
(1999)
Shakespeare’s tragedy of the Danish prince Hamlet is told by four men and two double-basses.  A stunning, simple and seductive version. Horatio and Hamlet grow up as friends in the royal castle.  But, one day, the king, Hamlet’s father, is murdered. The adult world crashes in on them, and their childhood ends abruptly.  Together, they decide they will uncover the king’s murderer and avenge his killing.
Language versions: English
Max. audience number: 120 
Age group: 10 years and up

Review Extracts

“The narrative is kept amazingly intact. You’ll be astonished (but delighted) to see how much of four hour original that is kept in this brisk 75-minute reduction... recommended for all the young - the young in age, the young in mind and the young in spirit”
Toronto Star (CA), Hamlet

“This is not merely good theatre for youth, but theatre for youth that borders on the great.… This may be a simple production, but it is the kind of simplicity that only great talent dares employ. Shakespeare, I think, would have been impressed.”
Toronto Sun (CA), Hamlet

”It is told with a simplicity and musicality that makes the story relevant and entertaining for children and adults, and the performance’s playful and gifted use of  video and computer technology is simply brilliant.”
The Reumert Committee at the presentation of the 2005 Reumert Award for best children’s theatre performance, Dorthes hjerte

International Tours

2008
Opening Doors - Wales International Festival of Theatre for Young Audiences, Aberystwyth, Wales/UK
Bath Shakespeare Festival, Theatre Royal Bath, Bath/UK 
Vancouver International Children's Festival, Canada
Calgary International Children's Fesitval, Canada
Saskatchewan International Children's Festival, Canada
Ottawa Jazz Festival, Canada
June: Lakeside Arts Centre, Nottingham/UK
          Draiocht Arts Centre, Draiocht/Ireland
Mar.: Teatralia Festival, Madrid/Spain         

2007
Oct.: Baboró - Galway International Arts Festival for Children, Galway, Ireland
Oct.: Roolaboola Children's Arts Festival, Linnenhall Art Centre, Castlebar, Ireland
Flensburg, Germany
Kijimuna Festa, Okinawa, Japan
Takota Festa, Osaka, Japan

2006
IPAY Showcase, Philadelphia, USA
Schleswig, Germany

2005
Irvine Barclay Theatre (Los Angeles/US)
Bank of Scotland Children’s International Theatre Festival (Edinburgh/UK)
Galway International Arts Festival for Children (Galway/IE)
RoolaBoola, Children’s Arts Festival (Castlebar/IE)

2004
SuperDanish/Harbourfront (Toronto/CA)

In recent years, Det lille Turnéteater has been in great demand abroad – a demand it has not been able to meet.  A special grant from the Danish Arts Counsil's Committee for Performing Arts for an international tour in 2006/2007 has addressed this need.