From Page to Performance: ‘Dragon Rider’ Captivates Audiences with Adventure

Following the success of ‘Durst!’, the curtain has now risen on ‘Dragon Rider’ by the primary school theatre group. Staged by Sabine Mannigel and Ulrike Jourdan, the play is based on the novel by Cornelia Funke.

The boy Ben runs away and accidentally meets the dragon Lung and the goblin Schwefelfell in a warehouse. Together they search for a safe place for the dragons, who have to leave their cave in Scotland. On their way to the ‘hem of the world’ in the Himalayas, they encounter numerous challenges and enemies.

At the very first stopover, a stone dwarf reveals their whereabouts to the evil dragon Nettlebrand, who sets his spy Flyleg on them. Despite Schwefelfell’s mistrust, Ben wins Fliegenbein as a friend.

Supported by a scientist and his daughter Guinever, the dragon riders find the mysterious djinni who shows them the way. In the second part of the play, the audience awaited the revelation of Fliegenbein’s true identity, a llama without fur, exciting dragon fights and the final confrontation with Nesselbrand.

The dragon puppets, designed by Evelyn Kelker, were played by two children together, while the technical team led by Samir Benmokthar provided the impressive lighting. Shadow plays complemented the interludes.

In the end, not only did the dragons find a new home, but Ben also found a family. The audience rewarded the young actors and actresses for their fantastic performance with thunderous applause. Anyone wishing to relive the magical images of the play can borrow the book from the library.