Theatermanufaktur Dresden

The Golden Thaler

The search for happiness is not an easy path - Anna Barbara learns this on her adventure around the legendary Golden Thaler. On her journey, she encounters bizarre characters such as the scrawny Mr Geiz, his faithful horse "Unverzagt" and a lively little cleaning water sprite.

This most popular of Hans Fallada's "Murkelei" stories is a captivating fairy tale for young and old. Anna Barbara lives with her grandmother, who often tells her about the Golden Thaler, which is supposed to bring the happiness she longs for. Driven by this hope, the girl meets the headstrong Mr Geiz and his grey horse "Unverzagt".

Mr Geiz promises Anna Barbara the Golden Thaler if she is prepared to work for him for three years. So she plunges into an underground realm lit by fireflies and guarded by two dogs. Here she is supposed to polish copper, silver and gold coins to a high lustre - day after day. The only support she receives is from a little man who lives in the cleaning water and has magical cleaning powers. But the little cleaner calls her "dearest" and even wants to marry her. Anna Barbara initially reacts to this with hearty laughter...

Will Anna Barbara find the Golden Thaler? Will she discover happiness?