Real magic still exists—at least in some places. But where can you find them? Of course, it sparkles in children’s hearts, whose joy and warmth shine brightest during the holiday season. We’ll find it also on the big screen, with Moana 2 casting its spell over audiences. And it lives in Berlin, at a cultural cornerstone that has mesmerized audiences with spectacular productions for 105 years: the iconic Friedrichstadt-Palast. It’s here where kids and great storytelling come together to enchant people from all over the world. Besides, it’s here where we meet a girl called Frida. Frida’s imagination knows no bounds and, therefore, she brings her fantasy world to life. In this world, she encounters a magical soulmate who shares her name. Together, the girls take us on a whimsical journey into the enchanting world of Frida & Frida.
What’s Frida & Frida All About?
Frida is bold, unapologetic, and lives life her way. But when she falls ill and has to stay in the hospital for an extended time, her classmates make fun of her. Alone in her hospital room, she conjures up a magical best friend in her imagination—and names her new companion Frida as well.
This imagined Frida is a carefree version of herself—full of joy and unburdened by limits.
As her vivid imagination takes over, the lines between reality, the hospital, and her daydreams begin to blur. With her magical friend, Frida Fantasía, by her side, she embarks on exciting adventures that teach her courage, self-confidence, and the power of humor.
Joining them on these imaginative journeys are other young patients from the ward and the unstoppable Medi-Kids. With every step, Frida discovers more about her hidden superpowers, transforming her world one daydream at a time.
The Young Show: Frida & Frida
The Friedrichstadt-Palast’s new Young Show Frida & Frida is a dazzling blend of creative imagination, an inspiring message, and jaw-dropping stage design. Featuring over 100 talented kids and teens from 20 different nations, alongside support from international artists, this vibrant and heartfelt production brings a magical story to life on the world’s largest theater stage.
The Real Stars: The Young Ensemble
Every year, more than 500 children apply to join the Palast’s Young Ensemble, located in the heart of Berlin. With 250 kids and teens from over 20 countries, it’s the largest children’s and youth ensemble in Europe—and already a modern legend in its own right.
Kids Performing for Kids (and Everyone Else!)
Under the motto Kids performing for kids! the Young Ensemble first danced and acted for audiences in October 1945 with The Heavenly Fairground. What began as a children’s variety show has grown into Europe’s one-of-a-kind Young Shows in the 21st century.
Even the name has evolved. Today, the productions are called Young Shows, a term that resonates with the kids who are front and center. And as the members range from seven to 16 years old, the term Young Ensemble has replaced Children’s Ensemble” better reflecting the incredible talent and spirit of its performers.
A Truly International Stage
At the Friedrichstadt-Palast, international is more than just a word. Whether it’s Xin from China, Lukas-Joaquin from Chile, or Rwan and Maja from Syria, kids from all over the world are welcomed into the Young Ensemble—provided they meet the criteria. Once accepted, they are guided, trained, and supported by a highly professional team led by director Christina Tarelkin for up to ten years.
In every performance, over 100 kids, aged 7 to 18, take on all main and supporting roles. There are no adult professional actors on stage anymore. Even the breathtaking aerial and ground acrobatics are performed by six young Ukrainian artists, aged 18 to 20, who trained at the prestigious Kyiv Academy of Circus and Variety Arts before fleeing the war to Budapest and Berlin.
A Word from the Director
Berndt Schmidt, the artistic director and producer of the Young Show, says:
What our young artists achieve in their free time is simply incredible—especially considering they all still attend school. I’m deeply impressed by and proud of the Young Ensemble’s nearly 80-year history, which dates back to the summer of 1945.
I just hope that our local politicians recognize and value this. The cold, ruthless budget cuts the Senate is currently applying to culture will eventually threaten even vital institutions like this one, which nurture children and youth through art.
The Creative Team Behind Frida & Frida
The choreographers, acting and singing coaches, acrobatic trainers, and performance experts engaged with the Young Ensemble are all top professionals in their fields.
This dedication has earned the Young Ensemble several prestigious accolades, including the 1997 Culture Prize of the State of Berlin and the German Children’s Culture Award from the German Children’s Fund. In 2012, the ensemble was also honored with an honorary award for its outstanding work with children.
For Frida & Frida, set designer José Luna and musician Camilo Lara brought Mexican and South American influences to life, creating an authentic and culturally rich atmosphere. The show was developed by a world-class international team led by directors Jouana Samia and Corinna Druve.
A True Talent Factory
The Young Ensemble has been a steppingstone for many successful careers. Alumni include Paula Beer (Bavarian Film Award, Best Young Actress at the Venice Film Festival) and Dagmar Biener achieving great success. Other notable alumni include Sonja Gerhardt, Olivia Gräser, Sophie Karbjinski, Alina Levshin, Patricia Meeden, Julia Richter, Lucas Reiber, Justus Schmeck, and Benjamin Trinks—all of whom began their careers at the Young Ensemble of the Palast.
Young Ensemble: Discipline, Team Spirit and Pure Passion
Behind every sold-out performance lies intense training, countless rehearsals, and an unshakable sense of discipline. The Young Ensemble fosters individuality within a tight-knit community, emphasizing teamwork, respect, and a commitment to excellence.
This dedication is what makes the Palast’s shows, like Frida & Frida, so unforgettable. Premiering to a sold-out crowd last Wednesday, the production received minutes-long standing ovations from an audience of 1,900. And the magic doesn’t stop there—nearly every show through January 2025 is already sold out.
Frida & Frida Celebrates World Premiere
Before a sold-out audience, the new Young Show Frida & Frida had its spectacular and emotional world premiere this past Wednesday. The 1,900 guests in the theater gave the young ensemble a standing ovation that lasted several minutes.
But it wasn’t just the premiere that generated excitement. All performances until January are nearly sold out. The show tells an uplifting story of self-confidence, imagination, and the belief that even difficult situations can be overcome. With vibrant colors and visually stunning elements, Frida & Frida blends captivating South American motifs and compositions, creating an unforgettable experience.
Frida & Frida
A Heartwarming Experience And a Message of Hope and Joy
Watching the colorful and lively scenes on stage for just a moment is enough to awaken the child within and invite you to join Frida & Frida and their friends on their imaginative journey. While older figures of power worldwide attempt to divide societies, wage wars, and dominate media with populism, hatred, and conflict, the Young Ensemble brings a smile to our faces at lightning speed. Their joy, authenticity, gratitude, and youthful exuberance instantly make our hearts soar. And perhaps, for some, there’s even a tear—tears of joy from the fleeting yet beautiful experience of being a child again: free, carefree, curious, native, and happy.
Therefore, Frida & Frida is more than just a show—it’s a reminder of the power of imagination, resilience, and friendship. It’s a story that will leave you smiling and even shedding a happy tear, as it rekindles the childlike wonder we often forget in our busy lives.
So, if you’re ready for an unforgettable adventure that’ll tug at your heartstrings and make you believe in magic again, don’t wait too long! 🌟
Frida & Frida: A Groundbreaking Achievement and New Record
Because, the show is running until January 31, 2025, and was almost completely sold out even before its world premiere—an unprecedented achievement. Currently, the seat occupancy rate is 98.8%, with only a few remaining tickets.
But don’t be disappointed! Pre-sales for the 2025/2026 season are already open, and the Friedrichstadt-Palast expects another series of sold-out shows. So, it’s a good idea to act fast to avoid disappointing young faces.
Text & Video: Marco Kokkot, Show Images: Niclas Weiss
Premiere Images: Markus Nass
