Festspiele Breisach — Open-Air Theatre

100 Years of Open-Air Theatre on the Münsterberg

1926 — exactly 100 years ago — the first performance of the Festspiele took place on the Münsterberg in Breisach am Rhein. Since then, the open-air stage at the foot of the distinctive St. Stephen's Minster has been the venue for high-caliber productions every summer — one of the oldest and most renowned amateur and semi-professional open-air theatre traditions in Southern Germany. From June 13 to September 13, 2026, the anniversary season will run with two productions, an anniversary book, and special VIP experience options.

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" — The Evening Play

The 2026 evening play is the theatrical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's novella "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (1886). It is directed by Peter W. Hermanns, who brings Victorian London to Breisach for the production. You might know the plot: The respected doctor Dr. Henry Jekyll develops a substance that can unleash his darker personality traits in the form of the violent Edward Hyde — a story about the duality of human nature, addiction, desire, and social masquerade. The Breisach production combines suspense, subtle horror, and a dash of frivolity — the typical mix of literary ambition and entertainment for the Festspiele. The premiere takes place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 8:00 PM; the production will then run on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer.

"Caliph Stork" — The Children's Play

Running parallel to the evening production is the 2026 children's play: "Caliph Stork" based on Wilhelm Hauff's oriental fairy tale. It is directed by Sybille Denker, who stages the story of the caliph's son and his friend, who are transformed into storks and embark on an adventurous journey, in a child-friendly manner. The premiere is on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Further performances follow throughout the summer on Sunday afternoons — ideal for families with children aged approximately 6 and up.

Münsterberg and Kapuzinergasse — The Historic Venue

The open-air stage is located on Kapuzinergasse at the foot of the Münsterberg, directly below Breisach's landmark, the St. Stephen's Minster. The Minster — a Gothic structure from the 12th to 15th centuries — sits enthroned on the rock and forms the natural backdrop for the productions. The summer evenings in the stands, with a view of the historic walls and occasionally the full moon rising behind them, make the Festspiele a true experiential theatre. In case of rain, the performance will be moved to an alternative stage or postponed.

Anniversary Book and VIP Experiences

A anniversary book documenting the 100-year history of the Festspiele will be published for the 100th season — featuring historical photos, interviews with former directors and actors, and background texts on the significance of Breisach's open-air theatre for the Southern German amateur theatre scene. VIP options can be booked for selected performances — typically including reserved seats, a champagne reception, and possibly an after-show talk with the directing team.

Breisach am Rhein — Border Town and Wine Region

Breisach am Rhein, with around 16,000 inhabitants, is a town in the Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district, located directly on the Rhine River on the border with France (opposite Neuf-Brisach in Alsace). The town is the gateway to the Kaiserstuhl — one of Germany's warmest wine regions — and a crossroads between the Black Forest and the Vosges mountains. The St. Stephen's Minster on the Münsterberg is the town's landmark, towering 30 meters above it. In summer, Breisach is a starting point for wine hikes, boat trips on the Rhine, and excursions to Alsace — the Festspiele am Münsterberg are the cultural highlight of the summer.