Galli Theater Brings “Die Prinzessin auf der Erbse” to Life at GSSB

On October 11, the Galli Theater New York returned to the German Saturday School of Boston to perform the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale “Die Prinzessin auf der Erbse” (The Princess and the Pea) for students in Kindergarten through 4th grade. Their visit once again filled our auditorium with excitement, imagination, and the magic of live storytelling.

For many of our younger students, this performance was more than just a fun morning, it was also a rare chance to experience a story in three dimensions. Accustomed to seeing fairy tales on screens, the children were mesmerized by watching the characters appear right in front of them: speaking, moving, reacting, and drawing the audience into the world of the story. It was a beautiful introduction to the artform of theater, where language, expression, and imagination come together in real time.

The production brought fresh energy to Andersen’s well-loved tale, reminding students why this story has endured for generations. Beneath the whimsical test of the hidden pea lies a meaningful message about authenticity and staying true to oneself — themes that resonate across cultures and ages. Galli Theater’s playful staging helped illuminate those ideas in a way that young viewers could feel and understand, even beyond the words themselves.

Cultural experiences like this are an important part of GSSB’s mission. Live theater not only sparks creativity but also supports German language development expanding vocabulary, strengthening listening skills, and giving students the opportunity to hear expressive, dynamic German outside the classroom setting.

We are grateful to Galli Theater New York for bringing this beloved fairy tale to life and giving our students a memorable and inspiring morning. And judging by the smiles and excitement afterwards, the magic of the performance will stay with them for a long time.