Peer Paul Gustavsson

“He’s shedding, your football player”: the new hero of St. Georg is a dog. At first glance, he looks calm, almost phlegmatic, “a typical case of early-onset aging”. But of course, Grissu isn’t an ordinary dog, but one who will prove again that football knows no boundaries. Even Schily puts in a word for him – he, as the only dog, is allowed in the stadium for the World Cup final between Germany and Brazil. As a viewer and then as a participant: Grissu is subbed on and scores a goal – for Brazil.
This fame couldn’t have been predicted when the man who is temporarily taking care of Grissu discovers unimagined qualities in the “skulker”: the dog loves football, he is the best dribbler for miles around. The man takes him to football grounds and to the public training of St. Pauli. No matter where, the dog showcases his incredible skills. The man, reading Dalai Lama, is convinced: Grissu is a Brazilian football god reborn. But which one? He doesn’t get to solve this riddle, for Grissu is soon discovered and the days of playing football in the park are over. The dog is shown off at village fairs and on talk shows and brings in lots of money.

And then the world cup insanity starts. Everyone is caught up in the frenzy, from theatre directors to priests:
“Be happy, Germany, you’re in the final!
Football-god, we praise you!
Tomorrow we will beat them!
Klinsi we trust you!”

Das Wunder von St. Georg is probably theatre’s most original contribution to the topic of football. Those who know Gustavsson’s previous works won’t be surprised that he manages to capture an entire universe in an ironic and loving way in this hymn to football.