The Simple Murderer

A play by Dennis Magnusson, inspired by Hans Alfredsson's film "Den Enfaldige Mördaren" and the novel "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 community - reduced to someone people laugh at or overlook. He is kind and thoughtful, tries to do right and care for others, but that very quality makes him vulnerable. He dreams of escaping poverty, of being seen, of being counted as human.

In an era where those who don't fit 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. He controls, ridicules and diminishes - with charm, with certainty, with a smile - until no one reacts anymore.

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

Direction: Dennis Sandin. Set and costume design: Stine Martinsen. Composition and sound design: Mikael Svanervik. Lighting design: Jörgen Haimanas. Makeup: Anna Olofson. Production dramaturg: Jani Lohikari. Publisher: Colombine Teaterförlag. Riksteatern. Performance length: 2 hours 30 minutes including intermission.