Theatre On the Scene, Reykjavik Iceland and The Drill Hall, London, UK present -GREELA AND THE 13 YULE LADS (Tales of Icelandic Cristmas) by Felix Bergsson Directed by Kolbrun Halldorsdottir Lighting by Johann Palmason Musci composed by Hrodmar Ingi Sigurbjornsson Puppets and scenic design by Helga Arnalds Choir: Vox Academica Conductor: Hakon Leifsson Cast: Felix Bergsson About Greela and the 13 Yule Lads They came from a distant country with winters long and cold They were the boys with horrid tricks well, that's what I've been told One by one, for 13 days they came for food and light. And when the last one had arrived it was the Holy Night, it was the Holy Night. (Greela and the 13 Yule Lads, Scene 3) Gifts left in shoes, milk disappearing from the fridge, mysterious figures whisking into the shadows… this can only mean one thing – it´s Christmas time in Iceland and the Yule Lads are back in town. Greela, the giant troll, sets off with a sack slung over her shoulder, hoping to satisfy her craving for stewed naughty, lazy or rude children. But she´s not the only one to look out for; just as mischievous and daring are her 13 children, the Yule Lads. In tradition of the brothers Grimm, renowned Icelandic actor, writer and children´s presenter Felix Bergsson along with director Kolbrun Halldorsdottir and the Theatre On the Scene company use music, storytelling, magic and puppets to tell the stories that have delighted children and adults in Iceland for centuries. The play opened at The Drill Hall, London, in December 2002 and it opened in Reykjavík in November 2003 to raving reviews. At the same time a children´s book with the story was published in Reykjavík by Edda Publishing House, the biggest book publisher in Iceland. What the critics said: “….this play by Felix Bergsson is full of dramatic excitement…” “…the sound design is simply magnificent!” “…Felix in his best form… the sincerity so strong that the bonding with the audience is immediate…” “…delightful for both children and adults!”