kannibalen

By johannes Lilleøre

January 2024, Tjarnarbíó theater, Reykjavík.

Kannibalen is an award-winning play by the Danish playwright Johannes Lilleøre.

PRESS

“Outstanding theater – one of these moments when you are grateful for the independent theater scene in Iceland.” – Endastöðin, RÚV. J.M.E.

"A must-see – a play like this doesn't often reach the shores of Icelandic audiences." – TMM. S.A.

“The popularity of this production is understandable. It’s provoking, shocking, and unlike anything else that has been played here for a long time.” Hugrás, D.K.

"Theatre-goers are encouraged to buy a ticket and challenge themselves [...] a captivating show about human tragedy." Heimildin, S.J.

"A riveting performance [...] this production proves that the imagination is more effective than all the theatre-blood in the world." MBL, S.B.H.

The play is based on a true story. By the looks of it, Armin Meiwes is an ordinary man. He is a computer engineer who is always willing to help his neighbours. But he has a dark secret and seeks someone who can help him make his dream come true: To eat another person. In 2001, Bernd-Jürgen, a young Berlin engineer reaches out to him. They chat for a few months online and decide to meet. Bernd-Jürgen also has a peculiar desire. He wants to be eaten by another person.

Kannibalen is a unique play: Tragically beautiful and grotesquely poetic. It is a story about loss, longing for connection and violence. It premiered in Copenhagen in 2022 and was selected Play of the Year at the Danish Theatre Awards. This Icelandic production is the first outside Denmark.

Text: Johannes Lilleøre
Director: Adolf Smári Unnarsson
Actors: Fjölnir Gíslason og Jökull Smári Jakobsson
Light-design and tech: Magnús Thorlacius.
Costumes: Júlía Gunnarsdóttir
Music: Ronja Jóhannsdóttir.
Translation: Adolf Smári Unnarsson and Júlía Gunnarsdóttir