Die unendliche Geschichte
What would the world be like without imagination? What role do theater and literature play in our lives in an increasingly digital world? How would people interact if they could no longer share stories? These and many other questions are at the heart of Michael Ende's Die unendliche Geschichte. This adaptation captivates children aged 7 and up.
Bastian Balthasar Bux is constantly bullied by his classmates and often escapes into the world of books. One day, while hiding from his tormentors on the way to school, he accidentally stumbles into an old bookstore. There, he finds a book that possesses a magical allure: Die unendliche Geschichte. Unable to resist, Bastian steals the book, hides in the attic of his school, and begins to read.
The book tells the tale of the land of Phantásien, which is in grave danger. Larger and larger portions of the land are being consumed by Nothingness, and its ruler, the Childlike Empress, suffers from a mysterious illness that no doctor can cure. All hope rests on the young Atreyu, who is sent through the crumbling Phantásien to find a human child who can give the Childlike Empress a new name, for only that can save her and all of Phantásien.
Bastian breathlessly follows Atreyu's incredible adventures. His desire to help the inhabitants of this wondrous land grows stronger until the book seems to tell Bastian's own story. Could he, Bastian Balthasar Bux, actually be the human child they seek?
About the Author
Michael Ende (1929 - 1995) is one of the most renowned German authors and one of the most versatile. In addition to children's and youth literature, he wrote poetic picture book texts, books for adults, plays, and poems, many of which have been adapted for film or radio. He achieved breakthrough success as a children's book author in 1960 with Jim Knopf und Lukas der Lokomotivführer. He received numerous national and international literary awards for his work, which has been translated into over 45 languages.
Young Theater Bonn
The Young Theater Bonn has produced Michael Ende's Die unendliche Geschichte in a completely new stage adaptation, brought to life with great effort. The entire professional ensemble of the JTB, several puppeteers, and professionally guided children play the roles of Bastian, Atreyu, and the Childlike Empress.