Savor the Thrill: Open-air Theatre Extravaganzas Dazzle Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
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Dramatic Performances, Explosives, and Suspense - Al Fresco Stage Unveils Action-Filled Season - Daring acts, booming cannons, and drama under the sky - Outdoor stage performance
Open-air theatres across Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are gearing up for their annual spectacles, showcasing swashbuckling stories, booming cannons, and dramatic intrigue. Some have already commenced their season, welcoming a multitude of visitors to bask in this extraordinary summer delight.
Intense Adventure Awaits in Grevesmühlen
With gunfire, sword clanging, and blood-curling battle cries, the Pirate Open-Air in Grevesmühlen inhabits the Northwest Mecklenburg plains for its 20th yearly season. Capt'n Joshua Flint's saga, brought to life by Intendant Peter Venzmer, delivers a hefty dosage of Caribbean adventure with the latest production, "The Pact with the Devil."
Founded in 2005 in the heart of Grevesmühlen, Venzmer's ensemble has navigated past stumbling blocks like neighbor disputes and COVID-19 restrictions with resilience. With retirement on the horizon, the 69-year-old Intendant plans to pass the helm by the end of the season yet continue penning the captivating pirate yarn.
The spectacle plays out under the open sky on a stage beside Grevesmühlen's edge, hosting performances on Tuesdays to Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 4:00 PM. Built for 3,400 spectators, the arena has accommodated a whopping 60,000 enthusiasts in its prime years, including holidaymakers drawn to the nearby Baltic coast. In 2022, Venzmer eyes a repeat of that magic.
Legend Lives On at Störtebeker Festival on Rügen
Marking the start on June 28, the Störtebeker Festival embarks on a fresh cycle of maritime storytelling. The new play, "Pirates of the Seas," dives deep into the roots of the renowned Klaus Störtebeker legend. Following last year's execution, this seventh play cycle promises a compelling saga chronicling Störtebeker's life spanning several years.
Set amidst the 15th-century Wismar and resurrecting Hof Alkun, Störtebeker's home, the festival employs over160 performers, 30 horses, and four ships to enthrall its audience with pyrotechnics and electrifying performances by Wolfgang Lippert. Festival Manager Hick mentions strong ticket sales, a boost evident in increased bookings from bus companies in post-pandemic times. As they unfold from Monday to Saturday until mid-September, performances showcase the outdoor stage to up to 8,800 spectators per night.
Waren Steeped in Historical Drama
The Müritz Saga continues to wow visitors with its historical depth and intricate political intrigue. The 17th century-set new season kicks off on June 28 with "The Lost Son," captivating audiences as the self-centered land marshal grapples with re-election and preserving his privileges. His prodigal son is expected to aid him, but Nils Duwell, the intendant, holds the secrets close to his vest for now.
First staged in 2006, the Müritz Saga in Waren houses around 1,000 spectators per performance. The season consists of 46 performances running until August 30 this year. Last year, around 19,000 guests turned up for the stunning spectacle, and the artistic director aims to reclaim the visitor numbers enjoyed before the pandemic era, when over 20,000 spectators flocked during each season.
Vineta Festival on Usedom – A Marvel of Storytelling
From June 25, the Vorpommern State Theatre on Usedom will mesmerize spectators with tales of the legendary submerged city of Vineta. Every year since its inception, an innocent child witnesses Vineta's emergence from the sea, following its supposed demise due to hubris and extravagance. The new trilogy begins with "The Morning of the Gods," chronicling a tumultuous queen facing rumors about her impending demise and treacherous plots.
Despite surge in 2020 with approximately 13,000 spectators attending the Vineta Festival, the stage can accommodate a staggering 1,000+ visitors per show. This well-attended spectacle captivates audiences every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday until the end of September.
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- Maritime Culture
- Adventure
- History
- Pirates
- Theatre
- COVID-19
- Tourism
- Grevesmühlen
- Klaus Störtebeker
- The enchanting open-air theatre productions in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern not only offer an escape into maritime adventures but also serve as a testament to the resilience of the local community, persevering through challenges like COVID-19.
- As the lifestyle spectacle of open-air theatre thrives in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, sports enthusiasts may find an unexpected thrill in the historical reenactments and entertainment provided by these spectacular performances.
