Valais director Willy-Franz Kurth is presenting a modern interpretation of one of the canton’s oldest legends: an open-air staging of the tale of the Rollibock. Transporting the legend into a not-too-distant future, he shines a light on the follies of humanity and offers up some food for thought – both ethically and politically. Exciting, gripping and fast-paced.
The première takes place in the Aletsch Arena on 19 July 2024 at the Great Aletsch Glacier, home to the fearsome protagonist. The majority of the cast are local residents too, though they are a good deal more neighbourly. There are around 100 locals who are working on the production alongside theatre professionals.
The stunning natural backdrop of the Aletsch Arena enhances our experience of the story, leaving us in awe of nature’s epic scale.
According to legend, the Rollibock is a terrifying creature that takes revenge on everyone and everything that tramples on nature. This includes the greedy hunter who crosses his path on the eternal ice and ends up disappearing forever in the mysterious Lake Märjelensee. The glacial lake was feared by the people of Upper Valais because its waters repeatedly flooded the valleys, causing devastation and suffering. When it did, they said that the Rollibock had been angered.