Bautzen Summer Theatre

Bautzen Summer Theatre — A Stage Under the Open Sky

The courtyard of the Ortenburg in Bautzen is a theatrical space that few other Saxon cities can offer: an enclosed Renaissance courtyard, framed by medieval walls and castle buildings, with excellent acoustics and an atmosphere that places every performance in a historical context. Since the late 1990s, the German-Sorbian National Theatre Bautzen has used this space for its annual summer theatre — a format that distinguishes itself from the region's city theatres through its open-air nature and thematic roots in the Upper Lusatian context.

Each summer, the theatre produces its own staging, often with a clear connection to the region: Sorbian legends, stories from Upper Lusatia, or contemporary adaptations of classic fairy tales and folk motifs. The productions are designed to be family-friendly, featuring live music, puppetry, and an ensemble comprising the National Theatre's permanent actors and guest performers.

30th Edition — Karasek's Treasure

The anniversary edition in 2026 is dedicated to "Spuk von draußen oder Karaseks Schatz" — an adventure comedy based on a television series from the 1980s, newly adapted by director Lutz Hillmann. The production combines the story of a Frankfurt family holidaying in Upper Lusatia with the Karasek legend, one of Eastern Saxony's most famous robber motifs. Live music, puppeteers, and the National Theatre ensemble bring the performance to life.

Accessibility and Inclusion

Sign language interpreters are provided on selected dates; for blind and visually impaired guests, the theatre offers audio descriptions at no extra charge. Dates will be announced on the theatre's website before the festival begins. This makes the Bautzen Summer Theatre one of the most inclusive summer theatre festivals in Saxony.

Bautzen and Upper Lusatia

Bautzen is the bilingual capital of Upper Lusatia — home to Sorbian institutions, a dense medieval backdrop, and one of Saxony's best-preserved old towns. Visitors to the Summer Theatre should take time beforehand to enjoy the view from the Reichenturm tower, visit the Sorbian Museum, and see St. Petri's main church — and after the performance, stop by one of the old town pubs.