The Simple Murderer

A play by Dennis Magnusson, inspired by Hans Alfredson's film "The Simple Murderer" and the book "An Evil Man - the Idiot's Tale". The quiet Sven Olsson lives in the shadows of 1930s Sweden. Because of his speech impediment and appearance, he is excluded from society - 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. He controls, ridicules and diminishes - with charm, with certainty, with a smile - until no one reacts anymore.

The material now receives a new theatrical interpretation by playwright Dennis Magnusson and director Dennis Sandin, who previously created together the productions "The Dylan Society" 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. Riksteatern. Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes including intermission.