5 questions for Johanna Arrouas about Der Krieg der Knöpfe (War of the Buttons)

The captivating adventure story Der Krieg der Knöpfe (War of the Buttons) tells of friendship and enmity, of winning and losing, of small and big children. Director Johanna Arrouas, well known to audiences as a long-standing member of the ensemble, stages her own version of the classic children's book of the same name with plenty of humor and great emotion.

After La Cenerentola for children, this is her second production at the Volksoper for young audiences. Helmut Stippich, accordionist and musical director of the production, has arranged the music.

We asked Johanna Arrouas 5 questions!

Why did you adapt the book War of the Buttons for the stage?

Because I really wanted to know how the story ends while I was reading it. Because I kept laughing out loud. Because I fell in love with the characters. This story is exciting, funny and touching – it has to be performed on stage!

What's so special about it?

The special thing is that the children play the main roles – it's a story about children for children with children!

Who are these children?

There is the freedom-loving leader Lebrac, the clear thinker Camus, the bickering brothers Tigibus and Grangibus, the reckless daring Marie, Juliette, Léon, Aztec, Suzie and many, many more!

Where is the story set and in what era?

Our story takes place 100 years ago in the French countryside. There are two small, typical French villages with all their quirky and lovable villagers.

What music goes best with it?

French chansons, naturellement! That means accordion and band on stage, so you can get going at any time! Everyone will recognize the music because they are very famous songs. And they immediately convey French “savoir vivre”.

Johanna Arrouas, Copyright Christoph Liebentritt