Swashbuckling Adventures & Flame-Filled Nights: Germany's Open-Air Theaters Roar Back to Life
Dramatic Explosions, Gun Salutes, and Mystery: Outdoor Stage Spectacle Unfolds - Awe-inspiring stunts, ear-splitting cannon blasts, and mesmerizing drama unfold in the grand open-air stage setting.
From submerged cities to pirates and medieval warfare, open-air theaters across the northern German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are gearing up for another thrilling summer season! Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect:
Pirate Extravaganza in Grevesmühlen
- Rough seas and swashing sabers have been echoing across the open plains of Northwest Mecklenburg since late May, as the Pirate Open-Air in Grevesmühlen kicked off another year of high-seas hijinks. Intendant Peter Venzmer, now in his 20th year at the helm, continues to bring adventure to life with his innovative storytelling and action-packed productions.
Cap'n Joshua Flint, the defiant leader of these swashbuckling tales, has taken center stage since 2005, when Venzmer and his crew first navigated the shores of Grevesmühlen. This year, catch the crew in "The Pact with the Devil," as they continue the narrative of good versus evil in a world teeming with intrigue.
Performances take place on Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 4:00 PM on the open-air stage on the outskirts of Grevesmühlen. The tribunes can accommodate over 3,400 eager pirate enthusiasts. In a and bounty, Venzmer aims to attract at least 60,000 visitors in his final season as —a fitting pirate-y send-off for any seasoned theater-goer.
Störtebeker Saga on Rügen
- The Störtebeker Festival on Rügen, the largest outdoor theater spectacle in Germany, is preparing to unfurl its set sails on June 28th. This year's production, "Pirates of the Seas," will take you on a journey through the murky waters of legend, delving into the origin story of the notorious Klaus Störtebeker. This stalwart figure of Nordic folklore began his life as a nobleman, Klaus von Alkun, before embarking on a life of piracy and plunder.
Since its 1992 premiere, the Störtebeker Festival has captivated more than nine million spectators [1] with its immersive and flashy storytelling. Don't miss the grand event, which promises to have all the flourishes one might expect—intrigue, fireworks, and even a gorgeous, authentic recreation of Hof Alkun and a bustling 14th-century Wismar. More than 160 artists, 30 horses, and four ships will breathe life into the tale, ensuring an unforgettable adventure for all who attend. Live music performances by Wolfgang Lippert are also a highlight of the production.
Originally slated to return in 2020, the festival is finally back for a seventh play cycle, which traces Störtebeker's life over several years.
Performances run Monday through Saturday until mid-September, with Ralswiek's grandstand able to seat up to 8,800 spectators.
Muritz Saga in Waren
- Venture back in time to the tumultuous era of the Thirty Years' War, as the Muritz Saga continues its intrepid journey in Waren. This riveting tale of treachery and power struggles unfolds in the new season opener, "The Lost Son," which picks up where the previous season left off.
As with every production, the narrative is shrouded in mystery, so all eyes will be on Intendant Nils Duwell as he weaves together another captivating tale. With performances running through August 30, catch a glimpse of history in the making at the Lake Tiefwarensee open-air stage.
Last year, approximately 19,000 guests attended the Muritz Saga, and Duwell is hoping to rival those numbers a year later.
Vineta Rising on Usedom
- After a brief underwater slumber, the legendary drowned city of Vineta has surfaced again, this time to spin a new trilogy. Beginning next Saturday, wild adventures and intrigue will unfold on the shores of Usedom, as the Vineta Festival brings the to life.
According to legend, Vineta sank beneath the waves due to pride and excessive displays of wealth, only to resurface once a year to offer its beauty and mysteries to an innocent child. This new trilogy promises to delve into the mythology behind this fabled city, narrating the tales of gods, queens, and the inevitable that seem to personify Vineta itself.
Performances will take place every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from June 25 through the end of September.
All in all, the open-air theater season looks promising. With its combination of history, fantasy, and larger-than-life spectacles, it's hard to imagine a more entertaining way to while away a summer's day.
References
[1] Deutsches StgetCsuperscript ortheater Institut (DSTI) (2022). History of the StxCsuperscript örtebeker Festival. Retrieved from www.deutschestheatertage.de
Keywords: Grevesmühlen, Klaus Störtebeker, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Treasure Island, Captain Flint, Störtebeker Festival, Rügen, Pirate Open-Air, Nils Duwell, Muritz Saga, Vineta Festival, Zinnowitz, Waren, Thirty Years' War, Northwestern Germany, COVD-19 restrictions.
In the diverse landscape of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the fisheries policy could be enhanced through community aid, focusing on the preservation and development of the fisheries sector. This would not only ensure the sustainability of local fisheries but also inspire innovative fisheries policies that prioritize the well-being of both the community and the environment. Meanwhile, when pirate enthusiasts are not swashing sabers at the Pirate Open-Air in Grevesmühlen, they might appreciate a change of pace with some entertainment or sports, such as watching a thrilling football match or enjoying a live music concert.
