Theatertage RLP – Theater Koblenz (Mephisto)

The Theatertage Rheinland-Pfalz are the central forum for professional spoken theatre in the state. The state theatres of Rhineland-Palatinate – Mainz, Trier, Kaiserslautern, and Koblenz – host the festival in a two-year cycle. In 2026, Theater Koblenz will be the host for the first time – a significant moment for the theatre on the banks of the Rhine.

Theatre from the State

During the Theatertage, the participating theatres will each present selected productions from their current season: classics, world premieres, new developments, and repertoire gems. Invited in 2026 are the Staatstheater Mainz, the Pfalztheater Kaiserslautern, and the Theater Trier. In addition, independent groups and guest performances from the state will be featured. The programme will be fully published by Theater Koblenz in the winter of 2025/26.

Own Production "Mephisto"

The host theatre will present its own production "Mephisto" based on the famous novel by Klaus Mann (1936). The novel, a key narrative about the relationship between art and power in the Third Reich, depicts, through the career of the actor Hendrik Höfgen (a fictionalized version of Gustaf Gründgens), how an artist succumbs to the temptations of a totalitarian system. The Theater Koblenz production reinterprets the material for the present day, combining acting, music, and stage design into a poignant reflection on artistic responsibility.

Theatre Tent for Talks and Encounters

In addition to the performances, a theatre tent will be set up in Koblenz as a meeting point for artists, theatre professionals, audiences, and press representatives. Discussions, artist talks, and workshops will take place here. The highlight will be the awarding of the Else Lasker Schüler Drama Prize, which provides a springboard for young authors onto Germany's professional stages.

Theater Koblenz

The Theater Koblenz on Clemensstraße is one of Germany's most traditional three-division houses: drama, musical theatre, and ballet are all maintained within the same institution. The neoclassical theatre building, dating from the late 18th century, has shaped Koblenz's theatre scene for over 230 years. With its role as host in 2026, the theatre will be at the centre of Rhineland-Palatinate's theatre landscape for two weeks.