Kleist-Festtage Frankfurt (Oder)

A Festival in the Birthplace of Heinrich von Kleist

Heinrich von Kleist (1777–1811) is considered one of the most radical playwrights in the German language. He was born in Frankfurt (Oder) — the port city on the Polish border, which is now part of the state of Brandenburg. Since 1991, the Kleist-Festtage have honoured this literary pioneer with a festival that combines artistic research and visits to his birthplace. From October 6 to 11, 2026, the city will once again open its stages to Kleist and his contemporary successors.

Kleist Forum and Kleist Museum as Dual Venues

The festival is hosted by the Kleist Forum at Platz der Einheit 1 — Frankfurt's central theatre venue — and the Kleist Museum at Faberstraße, the only literary museum dedicated to a German-language playwright. While the Kleist Forum hosts major productions from Germany and abroad, the museum presents readings, lectures, and intimate discussions. The synergy between these two institutions is the hallmark of the festival.

Kleist Sponsorship Prize 2026 for Kaleb Erdmann

Traditionally, the festival culminates in the awarding of the Kleist Sponsorship Prize for young drama. The prize, endowed with €10,000, guarantees a world premiere at the Kleist Forum. For 2026, Kaleb Erdmann has been honoured for his play “Debritz” — a choice that once again confirms the festival's role as a springboard for German-language drama. The prize has been awarded since 1996, and many prominent figures in contemporary theatre and the independent scene began their careers with this award.

Programme Between World Premiere and Discourse

The festival collaborates with the Dramaturgical Society and each year programmes productions that enter into a lively dialogue with Kleist's work — from "Penthesilea" and "Prinz Friedrich von Homburg" to "Michael Kohlhaas" and short stories like "The Marquise of O..." International guest performances, discussions about theatre in the 21st century, and contributions from the independent scene are part of the programme, as are school collaborations with the surrounding Brandenburg and Polish regions.

Frankfurt (Oder) — A Stage on the Border

Frankfurt (Oder) is located directly on the Polish border, separated only by the city bridge to Słubice. This twin-city location also shapes the Kleist-Festtage: numerous German-Polish collaborations, surtitles, and encounters with Polish theatres. Visitors to the festival should therefore also consider a stroll across the Oder river — and embrace the rare blend of provincial capital, border region, and intellectual hotspot.