FigurentheaterWoche Gelsenkirchen

50 Years of Puppetry Tradition in Gelsenkirchen

The FigurentheaterWoche Gelsenkirchen is one of the oldest and most renowned festivals for puppet and figure theatre in North Rhine-Westphalia. The festival has been held regularly since 1976 — initially under the name "Days of German Puppetry" until 2008, then, from the Capital of Culture year 2010, it was re-conceptualized as FigurentheaterWoche. In 2026, the festival celebrates its ninth edition under its new name.

When and Where: January 24 – February 1, 2026 at Consol Theater

The festival runs from Saturday, January 24 to Sunday, February 1, 2026 at the Consol Theater Gelsenkirchen (Bismarckstraße 240, in the Bismarck district). For eight days, twelve different productions by eight figure theatre ensembles from Germany and abroad will be featured.

2026 Program — Highlights

For the Little Ones

• Frau Holle (Children aged 4+) — the Brothers Grimm fairy tale in a figure theatre adaptation
• Das NEINhorn (Children aged 5+) — the rebellious children's book character as a stage play

For Teenagers and Adults

• Anne Frank — the famous diary as a figure theatre production (teenagers and adults)

Participating Ensembles

Including Theater Zitadelle, Die Artisanen, and Figurentheater Wilde & Vogel — ensembles belonging to the top tier of German figure theatre.

Additional Offerings

• Shadow Theatre Workshop for families
• Professional Training for educators and pedagogues — figure theatre as a pedagogical tool
• Intermission talks with ensemble members

Why Figure Theatre?

Figure theatre is one of the oldest forms of theatre and, at the same time, one of the most innovative. From classic marionette shows and shadow theatre to object theatre and digitally enhanced performances — the spectrum is vast. Contrary to popular belief, figure theatre is not just for children: many productions for adults deal with existential, political, or philosophical themes. The connection with Anne Frank's diary, in particular, shows how far the genre can reach.

Consol Theater — The Heart of Gelsenkirchen's Independent Scene

The Consol Theater is located in a former administrative building of the Consolidation colliery in the Bismarck district — a symbol of the successful repurposing of industrial sites in the Ruhr area. It is a centre for independent theatre, with a focus on youth and children's theatre. The FigurentheaterWoche is one of its most visible festivals.

Gelsenkirchen-Bismarck in the Ruhr Area

With around 260,000 inhabitants, Gelsenkirchen is a central city in the Ruhr area. The Bismarck district is located in the north of the city — easily accessible from the main train station. With the Schalke Arena, the ZOOM Erlebniswelt (ZOOM Adventure World), and the Rheinelbe as a local recreation area, Gelsenkirchen offers a rich contrast between industrial history and cultural landmarks.