Dark Characters, Gothic Terror, and Romance in Victorian Era Setting
In the heart of Cologne, the Friedenspark will once again play host to the annual open-air festival by NN Theater Cologne. Since 1987, the theatre group has been dedicated to presenting classical texts in a way that resonates with modern audiences, and this year is no exception.
The festival will kick off with the performance of "The Odyssey," a retelling of the epic journey of Odysseus, complete with cyclopses, singing sirens, and gods. This will be followed by "Holmes & Watson," a crime comedy with a Victorian horror twist, and "Exit Casablanca," a theatre production inspired by the 1942 film classic about refugees or stranded people in Rick's Cafe during World War II.
One of the highlights of the festival is the performance of Ibsen's "Peer Gynt." Originally a pure street theater group, NN Theater Cologne will bring this dramatic poem to life on the playground grounds of the Bau. In the fourth act, the character Peer Gynt expresses his desire to live passionately and avoid bitter reality, under a covered table and a sun sail on the southwest coast of Morocco.
The festival will conclude with two guest performances. On August 20, audiences can enjoy the comedy-acrobatics variety show "Tebé and Leiste," and the jazz concert by the band Perspectives. The festival will also feature a cozy crackling bonfire, a cold beer, and the slowly darkening summer evening sky over the city.
For those seeking escapism amidst intensifying crises, the performance of "Peer Gynt" may provide a much-needed respite. The festival will run throughout the month of August, with specific dates and times available on NN Theater Cologne's official website.
While there is no direct mention of the NN Theater Cologne's summer festival roster or guest shows in the search results, other related events and art festivals in Cologne and nearby cultural spaces provide some contextual clues for the kind of artistic events happening in the city during that time. These include the Four Seasons Kiki Ball, Sensorial Symphonies, and the International Summerfestival.
For the most accurate and detailed information on the NN Theater Cologne 2025 summer festival program, including specific performances and guest shows, it would be best to consult NN Theater Cologne’s official website or contact them directly.
