Clapping, cheers, children stomping their feet: The audience at the Vienna Volksoper enthusiastically received the premiere of "Ronja the Robber's Daughter." Astrid Lindgren's classic children's book celebrated its world premiere there on Sunday morning as a newly created musical theater piece for families. In Ruth Brauer-Kvam's production, based on a stage adaptation by Stephan Lack, Ronja's adventurous world of robbers was brought to life through shadow play and light projections. The set design resembled an open book, with the audience turning the page to the next scene.

"Ronja the Robber's Daughter"

With music by Kyrre Kvam and a live sound effects artist on stage, the audience was also acoustically transported to the dark forests of the far north. The Volksoper orchestra, under Maayan Franco, provided an atmospheric accompaniment to both the wild and the tranquil moments. Hannah Severin, in the title role, received particularly enthusiastic applause, as did her robber companion Birk, played by Eike Onyambu. This performance marked Onyambu's house debut at the Volksoper, alongside television actors Juergen Maurer and Reini Moritz.

Despite the largely dark setting and some frightening characters, the young audience was more captivated than frightened. The children watched the approximately 90-minute performance without intermission with rapt attention. The timeless message of friendship, courage, and overcoming old enmities was presented in a way that was perfectly suited to children.

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