Freilichtspiel Dat Unglück van Freborg

An East Frisian Love Tragedy

The tragic love story between Almuth Cirksena, an East Frisian count's daughter, and Engelmann von Hörstel takes place in the years 1490/1491 – a time of political entanglements, dynastic conflicts, and personal fates in the East Frisian landscape. The open-air play 'Dat Unglück van Freborg' brings this story back to the stage – as a historical drama with local relevance and Low German flair.

Low German as a Historical Language

The play is performed in Low German – a conscious decision that does justice to the historical atmosphere and regional identity. Even without knowledge of Low German, the play is understandable for an interested audience, as the universal story of tragic love unfolds through facial expressions, gestures, and staging.

Amerikaplatz Friedeburg – A Historic Site

The venue is Amerikaplatz in Friedeburg. Friedeburg is a historically significant place in East Frisia with connections to the Cirksena dynasty, which shaped East Frisian history for centuries. The choice of this performance location is therefore more than a logistical decision – it is a conscious anchoring of the play in its historically relevant landscape.

Performance Dates in June 2026

The play runs from June 5th to 27th, 2026 – over three weeks with multiple performances. One of the confirmed performance dates is:

• Sunday, June 7th, 2026, 8 PM – Main performance on Amerikaplatz

Further performance dates will be published by the organizer. Tickets are available via ADticket.

Open-Air Plays as a Tradition

Open-air plays have a long tradition in East Frisia. Local associations and theatre groups bring historical and literary subjects to open-air stages, combining acting with local history. 'Dat Unglück van Freborg' is part of this tradition – as a production that makes history tangible, keeps Low German alive, and nurtures regional identity.

A Recommendation for Summer Evenings

Anyone visiting Friedeburg in June and interested in East Frisian history should not miss this open-air play. The combination of historical subject matter, Low German language, and open-air atmosphere promises a special theatre evening.