Riksteatret: Apestjernen

Nine-year-old Jonna has always dreamed of having a mom. One day, an old, dirty Volvo pulls up in front of the orphanage where she lives—and out of the car steps a gorilla. She wants to adopt Jonna, but Jonna is a bit unsure. What is it actually like to have a big, shaggy, and wild gorilla for a mom? And what if it’s true what they say—that gorillas eat small children?!


Bring the kids and enjoy some fun together when Riksteatret visits the cultural center with a stage adaptation of Frida Nilsson’s surprising, funny, and touching children’s book—a heartwarming tale about finding family happiness when you least expect it. No two families are alike.


In the lead role as Jonna, you’ll see Ina Svenningdal (known from NRK’s *Linus i Svingen* and *Skam*) in a playful, colorful production featuring funny characters and catchy songs.


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Praise for the book:


"In the same league as Astrid Lindgren… a heartwarming fairy tale about generous and unconventional parental love."
Aftenposten


"A magnificent beacon… timeless qualities that resonate just as strongly today."
Barnebokkritikk.no


"Like Astrid Lindgren, Frida Nilsson remains true to the child’s perspective."
NRK


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P.S. If a gorilla in an ugly car should ever show up in your life: Seize the chance! Things aren't always what they seem.


Suitable for children aged 5 and up.


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Cast
Ina Svenningdal, Marte Stolp, Karianna Sommerro, Mailin Moon Lee Øgrim, John Hagen, Nils Oortwijn, and Herman Hilde Pedersen


Creative Team
Playwright: Jenny Svensson. Director and Choreographer: Jakob Höglund. Set and Puppet Designer: Heini Maaranen. Costume Designer: Heidi Wikar. Lighting Designer: William Iles. Composer and sound designer: Stefan Johansson. Dramaturg and prompter: Christina Smeby. Artistic advisor: Grethe Henden. Producer: Silje Vigerust Vinjar.


By Frida Nilsson. Dramatized by Jenny Svensson.


Running time: 2 hours (including intermission).


World premiere: Oslo / Nydalen, 8 October 2026.


Tour premiere: Kristiansund, 14 October 2026.


Produced by Riksteatret.