The Fourth King

A tale of giving and taking, having and happiness by Bärbel Maier

Two merchants meet somewhere in the desert. One is Hafif, a storyteller and world-improver. The other is Rafsan, a camel trader with a criminal disposition. Driven by greed, he doesn't hesitate to sell the same camel twice. At double the price, of course.

The unforgiving nature of the desert forces both to set up a common camp for the night. Hafif aims to convince the money-hungry Rafsan to become a better person through stories. Rafsan repays him poorly: in the middle of the night, he attempts to steal Hafif's bag. Rafsan just can't change his ways.

It's only the tale of the Fourth King that makes the camel trader ponder. It recounts the story of a wise man who, like the other three kings, wanted to see the baby Jesus. However, he and his gifts never reached Bethlehem. This fourth king encountered so many poor and needy people on his journey who urgently needed his gifts. Could it be that a person's happiness lies in giving rather than taking?

Rafsan reflects, puts away his camel pipe, and bids farewell to his camels and gold. Perhaps he will become a baker now. Or he will tell people something about heaven. Or maybe Hafif will teach him how to tell really good stories. Who knows?"

from 5 - 10 years
45 minutes, without brake
copyrights Bärbel Maier

With: Peer Damminger und Patrick Twinem
Text and Director: Bärbel Maier
Stage: Peer Damminger
Costumes: Gabi Kinscherf
Music: Hisham Haeyk

Play about self-discovery, letting go, and the courage to change

Both are convincing, especially in interaction with the audience. Every detail is well-executed in the production. - Mannheimer Morgen