Schlossfestspiele Connexion #5 — International Ballet Gala

Profile

With the international ballet gala »Connexion #5«, the Mecklenburg State Theatre opens the Schwerin Castle Festival 2026. The gala has been the flagship of the dance scene at the State Theatre since the first »Connexion« edition, bringing together dancers from various European companies for an evening of contemporary choreography.

Programme

Choreographies range from classical-modern top-tier dance to experimental forms. Soloists and ensembles from Germany, France, Spain, and other European houses interpret new creations and classics of the contemporary repertoire. The 2026 Schwerin Castle Festival will use the theatre tent at the Küchengarten — a temporary open-air tent theatre in the castle gardens — as its stage.

Local Context

Schwerin has been gaining international profile since its Residence Ensemble was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2024. The 2026 Schwerin Castle Festival — and especially the opening ballet gala — are among the first major events to musically and choreographically reflect this status. The theatre tent at the Küchengarten, with a view of the castle, offers the ideal connection between the World Heritage backdrop and stage art.