In the youth opera Benno, children are invited into the wondrous world of soil-dwelling creatures, where calm, joy, and comfort can be found. Watching these creatures can act as an antidote—to a busy home, a busy world, and a busy mind. The characters Mona and Taco struggle with this sense of busyness. Their parents argue frequently, and both children find it hard to cope with it.

In the youth opera, the story zooms in on their emotions. As Mona is on the verge of boiling over, she discovers Benno, a snail. She takes Benno home, and a close bond forms. Benno soothes and comforts her. She becomes fascinated and intrigued by the little snail—exactly the distraction she needs. Meanwhile, Taco doesn’t understand why his sister is withdrawing more and more, no longer standing by his side when their parents argue again. When he discovers the source of Mona’s unbearable calm, he becomes furious and does something he later deeply regrets…