"Monsieur Ibrahim and the Flowers of the Koran"

A Humorous Ode to Life and Friendship
By Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt
Directed by Hanspeter Horner
Music by Moritz Hierländer
Set Design by Klaus Gasperi
Costumes by Yukie Koji
With Edi Jäger
Translated by Annette & Paul Bäcker
Production
A collaboration between Wald4tler Hoftheater NÖ and Theater Chronos Salzburg
Duration approximately 100 minutes

THE PLAY
The old man named Ibrahim is an inseparable part of the Jewish quarter in Vienna. His grocery store is open almost around the clock, and every day, the young Moses comes seeking refuge from his sad life circumstances. Everyone in the neighborhood considers Monsieur Ibrahim a wise man: "probably because he smiled a lot and spoke little. Probably because he seemed to withdraw from the normal hustle and bustle of people." The two become friends, and through Monsieur Ibrahim, Moses discovers another world. Together, they embark on a quest for the secret of happiness. Moses is now an adult and reminisces with the audience about that crazy time of his youth, where he learned to face the world with empathy and humor.

AUTHOR
Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt, born in 1960, is today one of the most widely read and performed French-speaking authors worldwide. This wonderful theatrical material tells of tolerance, compassion, and an unusual friendship. The numerous messages conveyed between the lines are unifying and philosophical.

AUDIENCE REACTIONS
"GRANDIOSLY performed! Simply sensational!! I believe the timing of bringing this play to the stage right now couldn't be more fitting. Humanity desperately needs many, many such impulses!! – I am happily smiling, thrilled, touched, and inspired as I head home..."
"Your Momo moved us to tears today. What a wonderful performance. Thank you! ... for continually bringing such profound pieces to the stage."
"The play, the direction, the set... the evening was overwhelming for me; I can hardly comprehend this (acting) performance, this dedication... the most current piece at this time... moved me to tears."