Leipzig's theater enthusiasts can expect a brilliant new beginning in 2026!

Leipzig's theater enthusiasts can expect a brilliant new beginning in 2026!

An interim venue called “ag(o)ra” will be operated in the Agra Messepark in Leipzig until the end of October 2023. This measure has become necessary because the theater's main stage is closed due to technical renovation work. What is special about “ag(o)ra” is not only the historical significance of the area, which was once the site of the Battle of the Nations, but also the creative use of Hall 4, where street food, art and theater come together. This hall was formerly the cultural hall of the GDR agricultural exhibition and is used for various events. So far, four productions have started in April 2023, including Heiner Müller's “The Resettler” and the premiere of “No Fate, Klytämnestra” by Nino Haratischwili.

Until the end of the interim period, William Shakespeare's “The Tempest” will be performed, and the first premiere in the renovated theater is announced for February 7, 2026. This production will combine Shakespearean comedy with elements of pop icon Taylor Swift. In addition, two fairy tales for families are planned under the season motto “We Songs”. Another commissioned work, “German Fairy Tales” by Thomas Köck, will also be presented in April 2024.

Cultural highlights and visitor numbers

By the time the Great Stage was closed on June 19, 2023, the Schauspiel Leipzig recorded a total of 96,000 visitors, which represents an increase of 6,000 compared to the previous year. The occupancy rate for the performances was reported at just under 83 percent, while the interim venue “ag(o)ra” had an average occupancy rate of around 81 percent. In addition, the “Politics in Free Theater” festival will take place in Leipzig in October 2023, which is organized in cooperation with several theater institutions.

Special attention is also paid to the themes of the pieces shown during the interim. The play “Staubfrau” highlights patriarchal violence across three generations of women and the German-Turkish play “Bu sözler bizim – The words belong to us” is dedicated to the question of identity within the family and society. These themes fit well with the current zeitgeist and offer viewers the opportunity to reflect on social challenges.

Outlook on the future of the theater

The theater plans to reopen its doors after extensive renovation work, which includes, among other things, the renewal of the stage technology and the sound system. Advance sales for the coming 2025/26 season have already begun. In this way, Schauspiel Leipzig not only wants to build on its past successes, but also provide new impetus for the coming cultural season.

The avant-garde projects in the agra Messepark, which include traditional open-air theater formats, will hopefully help to further increase visitor numbers and enrich cultural life in Leipzig. Information about these events and more can be found on the relevant pages, such as at MDR and Theater Leipzig.