The Simple Murderer

A play by Dennis Magnusson, inspired by Hans Alfredson's film "The Simple-Minded Murderer" and the novel "An Evil Man - the Idiot's Tale". The quiet Sven Olsson lives a shadowy existence in 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 quality 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 receives a new theatrical interpretation by dramatist Dennis Magnusson and director Dennis Sandin, who have previously created the productions "Dylansällskapet" and "Kikkiland" together. The cast includes Lennart Jähkel, Einar Bredefeldt, Jessica Liedberg, Dag Malmberg, Angelika Prick and Joel Valois.

Direction: Dennis Sandin. Set design/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.