Torturmtheater Sommerhausen — 2026 Season

Germany's Smallest Theatre

The Torturmtheater in Sommerhausen is one of Germany's most unusual theatres — and officially considered the country's smallest. Housed in a medieval gate tower on the southern town wall of Sommerhausen, it offers only a few dozen seats. This intimacy is part of the concept: plays are performed in direct contact between stage and audience, in an atmosphere that makes many visitors regulars.

A 75-Year Tradition

The theatre was founded in 1950 by actor and director Luigi Malipiero and significantly shaped by Veit Relin from the 1970s onwards. In 2026, the venue embarks on a new era: Katja Thost-Hauser and Christian Peter Hauser take over the directorship, continuing the concept — "long tradition with fresh innovation".

The 2026 Programme

Throughout the 2026 season, the Torturmtheater will present four main productions:

• April 17 – May 31 — Die letzte Beichte (Premiere with TV personality Ralph Morgenstern)
• June 12 – August 9 — Spanisch für Anfängerinnen
• September 18 – October 31 — Switzerland
• November 13 – December 20 — Der Messias

In addition, there will be concerts and readings, as well as an exhibition in September celebrating Veit Relin's 100th birthday in Würzburg.

Sommerhausen — the Franconian Theatre Village

Sommerhausen is a small wine village on the Main River, located south of Würzburg, with fewer than 1,500 inhabitants. Despite its size, Sommerhausen is regionally renowned for its culture: in addition to the Torturmtheater, it boasts numerous galleries and artists' studios. The town wall with its towers and the castle shape the village's appearance. The Franconian wine region with its Silvaner vineyards surrounds the village — a visit to the theatre and a wine tasting can be perfectly combined here.

A Stage for Premieres

For decades, the Torturmtheater has played an important role in German-language premieres — small, often chamber-play-like pieces that take advantage of the venue's intimate format. The 2026 season consistently begins with a premiere (Die letzte Beichte) and features a mix of comedy, drama, and a Christmas play, appealing to audiences from Würzburg, Würzburg-Land, and all of Mainfranken.