The Simple Murderer

A play by Dennis Magnusson, inspired by Hans Alfredson's film "Den Enfaldige Mördaren" and the book "En Ond Man - idiotens berättelse". The quiet Sven Olsson lives a shadowed life in 1930s Sweden. Because of his speech impediment and appearance, he is excluded from the community - reduced to someone people laugh at or overlook. He is kind and considerate, tries to do right and care for others, but that very thing makes him vulnerable. He dreams of escaping poverty, of being seen, of being counted as a human being.

In an era where those who don't fit in easily end up at the bottom of the hierarchy, others set the rules. Factory owner Höglund begins as a man who seizes opportunities where he can. When he feels threatened, he hardens step by step, until power becomes more important than people - and he controls, ridicules and diminishes with charm and a smile, until no one reacts anymore.

The material now receives a new theatrical interpretation by dramatist Dennis Magnusson and director Dennis Sandin, who previously created the productions "Dylansällskapet" and "Kikkiland". The cast includes Lennart Jähkel, Einar Bredefeldt, Jessica Liedberg, Dag Malmberg, Angelika Prick and Joel Valois.

Direction: Dennis Sandin. Set design/costumes: Stine Martinsen. Composition and sound design: Mikael Svanervik. Lighting design: Jörgen Haimanas. Makeup: Anna Olofson. Dramaturg: Jani Lohikari. Publisher: Colombine Teaterförlag. Producer: Riksteatern. Performance duration: 2 hours 30 minutes including intermission.