Rico, Oscar and the Deeper Shades

Rico, a Kreuzberg boy from Dieffenbachstraße 93, describes himself as “gifted” because many things “fall out of his head.” He has to go to special school, and his range of action is limited. When he meets the “highly talented” Oscar one day, a friendship quickly develops between the completely different boys. But Oscar suddenly disappears, and Rico must throw all fears to the wind in order to save his friend.

The novel was awarded the “German Youth Literature Prize 2009”, is considered the best-selling German book for children and young people and is being read in more and more schools in Berlin. The theatrical version critically examines common classifications such as “undergifted — highly gifted” and impresses with numerous songs in the usual ATZE manner.

Set against the backdrop of a detective story, this is about the friendship of two boys who become friends even though they couldn't be more opposite. Both are outsiders; one is too slow, the other too fast. Different talents, values and prejudices as well as Rico's relationship with his single mother are further exciting aspects.