Summary of “Lods Hans – A tale of recycling”
The performance Lods Hans is a modern retelling of H.C. Andersen’s fairytale Klods Hans, but with a strong environmental message. The performance is a humorous story full of music that involves the audience and focuses on waste sorting, recycling, and our responsibility for the planet.
Nils, Morten, and Søren are making music with their stomp instruments. While playing, Nils becomes frustrated that the lights are on and the water is running for no reason backstage. He stops the concert and points it out to the others, but they do not take it seriously. Nils declares that teaching children about sustainability is impossible if we do not take care of the environment ourselves. Morten then comes up with the idea of creating a fairytale about recycling. They agree to recreate Klods Hans with a new twist – a ’tale of recycling.’ – convincing Nils to play the main role as Lods Hans, while Morten and Søren play his older brothers.
With the help of a magical trash whirlwind, the three men become part of the fairytale, and H.C. Andersen is “summoned” to read the fairytale.
In this new version of the story, the two eldest brothers hope to win the princess by showcasing their knowledge of environmental issues. They believe they are the best candidates because they have read books, know theories about energy conservation, and can recite the European climate goals by heart.
Lods Hans, on the other hand, has no theoretical knowledge—he simply rides around on his kick-scooter, picking up things that others have discarded. He finds an old shoe, used waterpipes, and motoroil. The smart brothers laugh at him and his “trash,” but he sees value in what others have thrown away.
When the three brothers reach the castle, they discover that it is covered in waste. Lods Hans asks the children for help and sorts all the trash around the castle, while his brothers compete on who can reach the castle first.
The princess has declared that she will give her hand to the one who can provide the best solution to the castle’s waste problem. When it matters most, the brothers fail to recall all their impressive theories. Lods Hans, however, demonstrates how trash can be used creatively. He builds an instrument from the waste he collected and sorted with the children. The princess is impressed, and Lods Hans wins her heart—not because he is more knowledgeable, but because he thinks practically and creatively.
The play ends with the three friends returning to reality and realizing they have all learned something.
The performance concludes with a song, encouraging children to take responsibility for the environment and use their imagination to recycle instead of throwing things away.
