Riesen Probleme – INSEL-Theater, Karlsruhe

About this event

Giant Problems is an interactive play for children aged 5 and up that tackles big questions about fairness, rules, and boundaries through a quirky, humorous, and touching story. Saskia, a snail without a shell, works as security and guards a large empty room owned by an unseen proprietor. Next door, Eddie the elephant and Georg, the tallest man in the world, squeeze into a room that is far too small. Even though the big space would suit them perfectly, it remains off limits. With humor and playful audience engagement, the piece explores power dynamics between those who have and those who do not, and asks what fair rules could look like. Described by Rowohlt Theaterverlag as an “anarchic work of art” and winner of the 2024 German–Dutch Kaas & Kappes Prize, it premiered on 29 September 2024 at the Junges Staatstheater Karlsruhe; the revival began on 12 October 2025 at the Insel.

Cast & creative

• A

  Stage director

  Asena Yesim Lappas
• S

  Set designer

  Sarah Elena Kratzl
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  Costume designer

  Sarah Elena Kratzl
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  Stage director

  Nele Tippelmann
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  Herr Couch

  Nikita Buldyrski