Ginpuin - Auf der Suche nach dem großen Glück

Stage adaptation by Winnie Karnofka

Based on the picture book of the same name by Barbara van den Speulhof and Henrike Wilson

A production by the Hessian State Theater in Wiesbaden 

White belly, black back, black head—Ginpuin actually looks just like all the other penguins. But as soon as he starts to speak, the words tumble out all jumbled up, and everything is a bit “schunderwöhn.” Instead of sitting on an ice floe, he sits on a “Scheisolle,” and his favorite food is “ships”—which makes the other penguins laugh. But little Ginpuin doesn’t let it get him down. Bravely, he sets out to find true happiness. On his journey, he not only encounters a talking island full of fluffy sheep who instantly take him into their hearts because of his unique nature, but he also comes to realize that being different isn’t just okay—it’s something truly special. “Ginpuin” tells a story with humor, heart, and clever wordplay about the courage to be true to oneself—a touching tale of friendship, being different, and the search for one’s place in the world. For theater fans of all ages, ages four and up.

Barbara van den Speulhof, born in Aschaffenburg in 1959, works as an author, copywriter, radio play producer, and director, primarily for children’s productions. She has produced radio plays and written companion books for many feature films. She lives in Frankfurt am Main.

Sat, Sept. 19, 2026 – Premiere

Small Stage