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S Gunter Klaus & the Story Before

Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  11 any gender (adult)

John Heimbuch, Jon Ferguson

In a remote village at the edge of the world, a lonely coal vendor is engaged in an epic battle with the darkness of winter. This magical story combines ancient Scandinavian folklore with tales of adventure and discovery to unearth the true origins of Santa Claus.

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S Gunter Klaus & the Story Before

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    11 any gender (adult)
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Fantasy, Christmas/Holiday, Fable/Folktale
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for All Audiences

Details

Summary

In a remote village at the edge of the world, a lonely coal vendor is engaged in an epic battle with the darkness of winter. This magical story combines ancient Scandinavian folklore with tales of adventure and discovery to unearth the true origins of Santa Claus. A seasonal story for all audiences to enjoy.

History

S Gunter Klaus & the Story Before premiered in Minneapolis, MN at the Southern Theatre on 10 December 2009.

Performing Groups

The Village Children
HALLVEIG – A curious child
HROLFR – A brave child.
EYVINDR – A mischievous child.

Villagers (Ensemble)
SHORT
TALL
JOVIAL
CALM
PROUD
FIERCE
WARM

The villagers also portray the following roles:
GUNTER – A charcoal seller.
YNGVILD – The children’s mother.
GEIRS – The chlidren’s father.
FREKI – A wolf.
RAVEN
ELF QUEEN
TROLL KING
MASTER OF THE HUNT
TROLLS
ELVES
WOLVES
GNOMES
NORNS
REINDEER
STANDING STONES
RAINBOW BRIDGE
DARKNESS

This show can be done flexibly. For instance, the children characters can be played by either child actors or adult actors. The ensemble can be doubled for a cast as small as 11 or as large as you’d like it to be. Characters’ genders can be changed and played by any actor.

This show can be done flexibly. For instance, the children characters can be played by either child actors or adult actors. The ensemble can be doubled for a cast as small as 11 or as large as you’d like it to be. Characters’ genders can be changed and played by any actor.

  • Setting

    A long time ago, in a village at the edge of the world.

  • Features Elaborate/High-Volume Costumes, Period Costumes
  • Additional Features No Intermission, Stage Combat, Special Effects
  • Duration 90 minutes

Media

“Rich and surprisingly challenging.” – Twin Cities Daily Planet

“In his program notes, Ferguson says that his goal was to create a Santa story that was ‘darker and more earth-based’ than most. He and Heimbuch have certainly done that… The ornaments here are many: moments of goofy humor and simple but haunting visual wonders. In the land of S. Gunter Klaus, you’ll need your wits about you – those elves are pretty sharp.” – Twin Cities Daily Planet

“Full of charm and moments of magical simplicity… This show offers a charming escape from the real darkness of the uncertain present into a world of fantasy and tradition.” – Minnesota Playlist

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Authors

John Heimbuch

John Heimbuch

John Heimbuch is the Artistic Director of Walking Shadow Theatre Company in Minneapolis.

His original full-length plays include William Shakespeare's Land of the Dead, A Midwinter Night’s Revel, The Transdimensional Couriers Union, S. Gunter Klaus and the Story Before, The Kin ...

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Jon Ferguson

Jon Ferguson

Jon Ferguson is from Durham in the Northeast of England. He trained at Middlesex University in London with leading physical theater practitioner John Wright. He has worked with leading theater companies and practitioners in the UK and US including Hoipolloi (UK), John Wright ...

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