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Schiller meets punk: The robbers inspire Bad Hersfeld!
On June 28, 2025, Bad Hersfeld will experience the premiere of Schiller's “The Robbers” with punk music by Die Toten Hosen.
Schiller meets punk: The robbers inspire Bad Hersfeld!
The Bad Hersfeld Festival caused a stir on June 27, 2025 with the premiere of Schiller's classic “The Robbers” in a new production. Director Gil Mehmert has managed to breathe new life into the over 240-year-old work by combining the story with music from the German punk rock band “Die Toten Hosen”. This creative fusion clearly delighted the audience the time emphasized after the premiere.
What happens next with “The Robbers”? The production, which takes place in the impressive Bad Hersfeld monastery ruins, not only contains Schiller's original text, but also offers an emotionality that is reinforced by the band's instrumentals. This live music, consisting of a dozen lesser-known songs by the band, contributes to the dramaturgy of the performance and creates new emotional spaces for the audience. Long gone are the days when classics were only important for academic circles - here the connection to the present can be felt.
The plot and the special place
“The Robbers” is all about the conflict between two unequal brothers, power, freedom and retribution. This famous story caused a scandal when it was first performed in 1782 and continues to address current questions of morality and loyalty today. What is particularly remarkable is that the monastery ruins are not just a backdrop, but are actively integrated into the production. The piece lasts a good three hours, including a short break, whereby the time flies for the audience.
The other events at the Bad Hersfeld Festival are also a hit. In addition to “The Robbers,” this year’s program includes performances such as Shakespeare’s “Midsummer Night’s Dreams,” the Broadway musical “A Chorus Line” and the family play adaptation “Ronja the Robber’s Daughter.” Another highlight is the comedy “The God of Carnage” by Yasmina Reza, which also celebrates its premiere at Eichhof Castle on June 28th.
The crowd is big
The interest in the festival is enormous. Last year there were over 103,000 visitors and the performances seem to be more popular than ever. The introductory lectures on “The Robbers” are already sold out, which speaks for the high demand. Further performances are planned, including an introductory lecture on July 3rd with a few tickets remaining. The festival thus offers a platform for culture and entertainment that radiates far beyond the borders of Bad Hersfeld.
It is obvious that the Bad Hersfeld Festival, which is now entering its 74th season, not only maintains a tradition, but also creates fresh, creative approaches to classics. The story of Schiller's “The Robbers” is retold in an impressive way - a truly successful start to the festival summer, which will last until August 18th.