How the Cat Zorbas Taught the Little Seagull to Fly

A story by Luis Sepúlveda, translated by Willi Zurbrüggen

"The problems of a harbour cat are the problems of all harbour cats," declares old restaurant cat Colonello when he hears of the promise that cat Zorbas made to a dying seagull. Oil-stained and exhausted, she has landed on his balcony and laid an egg in her final moments. But how can the good-natured black cat take on the task of brooding and later teach the chick to fly? The Hamburg harbour cats stick together and care for the little bird as one.

Flying, however, is a very personal decision. The little silver seagull must first accept her difference and find the courage within herself. After many failed attempts under the guidance of the clever cat and his beloved dictionary, Zorbas and his friends are finally forced to break a taboo and ask a human for help - an eccentric poet who is said to be able to fly with words.

The fable by Chilean author Luis Sepúlveda is also a tribute to Hamburg and its harbour district. Since its publication thirty years ago, it has been translated into 27 languages.

Michael Stülpnagel reads with many voices and unbridled storytelling joy; pianist Poldy Tagle accompanies the story musically.

Recommended from age 8 - Duration: 70 minutes without intermission