The Magic of TROLLE
"Melodi Grand Prix" and "Fairytale" were fun. But at the same time, I was working on something else—something completely different—something that could be about all of us. About bullying, about not fitting in. About magical places and mysterious creatures that you can choose to believe in or not. But most of all, about friendship.
Many children have experienced what it’s like to feel lonely, to be excluded from the group, or—worst of all—to simply be ignored. I look back on my own childhood and how desperately I wanted to be understood. I still feel that way a little bit as an adult. The more people I have around me, the lonelier I can feel. That’s when I appreciate the few friends I have, who know me as Alexander from 6 Bakkegårdsveien.
For me, it has been important to write Trolle’s story. It’s important to me to let children know that they’re not alone in feeling different. That they shouldn’t stop believing in true friendship, even if it takes a long time.
Finding a friend might take even longer than publishing a book. Over the course of five years searching for a publisher willing to release both a book and music, I’ve felt frustrated, discouraged, and sad. That is, until Cappelen Damm wholeheartedly embraced the project.
Alva, a young and brave girl, ventures into the darkest forests to cheer up Trolle, and becomes his only friend. She convinces the other villagers that Trolle isn’t as dangerous as everyone thinks. Together, they set off on adventures and overcome the darkest magic with their friendship.
Once the book had been published in three print runs and received rave reviews, I continued working on the musical itself. I was lucky enough to have Norway’s most exciting director, Jostein Kirkeby-Garstad, on board to help develop the script. It took just as many years to secure a theater deal, but with Jostein by my side, the wait was a pleasure!
Now, ten years after I started writing the story and the music, the stage is finally set for the premiere at Kilden wonderful Kilden Kristiansand. Who knows, it might have taken another ten years, but I like to think I wouldn’t have given up no matter what: The point is that things take time, but they’re usually worth it.
If it takes so long to create a book, an album, or a musical—how long does it take to build a friendship? A week? A year? A lifetime? Or is a simple “Hi, what’s your name?” enough?
I hope that more children of all ages will be inspired by the musical, find a friend to encourage and get to know, and set off on adventures together.
Enjoy, and thank you so much!
Learn more and buy tickets for Trolle
Text: Alexander Rybak