Thalia Theater Stages Timm Thaler as Family Play
Samuel Mikel stars as Timm Thaler in a new stage adaptation of James Krüss’s children’s novel at the Thalia Theater in Hamburg, ndr.de reported. Director Katharina Birch frames the production as a theatrical race against a dark antagonist, with performances running from October 31 through January 8, according to mopo.de.
The staging adapts the narrative of a young boy who trades his laughter for the ability to win every wager. Hajo Tuschy plays Baron Lefuet, whose name spells the word for devil in reverse, as mopo.de noted. Nina Sarita Balthasar appears as Kreschimir, a character similarly entangled with the antagonist, joining the protagonist in a race against time.
The Deal With the Devil on Stage
James Krüss published the original novel in 1962, and the property later gained broader cultural recognition through a 1970s television adaptation starring Thomas Ohrner, as ndr.de reported. In the current Thalia Theater production, Samuel Mikel portrays the title character as a wealthy figure wearing an immaculate suit and bright green shoes after securing his bargain.
“Timm has a compass, he has the heart in the right place,” Tuschy told ndr.de. “Disturbing that compass again and again and making sure that north is where I want is the challenge. That is what I understand as diabolical or evil.”
Production Schedule and Ticket Details
Performances for the family production, recommended for audiences aged ten and older, take place at the Thalia Theater in Hamburg at diverse times through January 8, mopo.de stated. Ticket prices range from 8 to 34 euros, and reservations are available via telephone at 32 81 44 44 or through thalia-theater.de.
Additional performances are scheduled for Thursday, November 5, at 11 a.m. and Sunday, November 15, at 4 p.m., ndr.de reported. The creative team includes Despina Anais Economou as assistant director and prompter, Laura Falder as stage design assistant, and Amelie Müller as costume design assistant, alongside technical and workshop personnel listed in production records from thalia-theater.de.
Theatrical Collaboration and Rehearsal Process
Director Katharina Birch approached the material by focusing on the communal aspects of joy and shared resilience during crises, ndr.de reported. Samuel Mikel noted that the loss of laughter serves as a barrier to human connection rather than a simple facial change.
“How Timm comes into contact with other people, and that he notices in the course of the play, laughter was always an invitation for my counterpart,” Mikel told ndr.de. “That is suddenly gone, and then he notices that he is no longer in contact with other people, but also no longer with himself.”
Performance Dates and Ticket Information
- Venue: Thalia Theater, Hamburg
- Run Dates: October 31 through January 8
- Ticket Prices: 8 to 34 euros
- Contact: Telephone 32 81 44 44 or thalia-theater.de
- Target Audience: Families with children aged ten and older
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