Till Timmermann as Lysander: A magical summer evening in Bad Hersfeld!

Till Timmermann as Lysander: A magical summer evening in Bad Hersfeld!

A special highlight of this year's Bad Hersfeld Festival is the production of “Midsummer Night's Dreams” based on the famous work by William Shakespeare. On June 20, 2025 at 9 p.m. the curtain falls in the impressive Bad Hersfeld monastery ruins when the audience immerses themselves in the mystical world of confusion and love confusion.

29-year-old Till Timmermann plays the role of Lysander, who flees her father's marriage plans together with Hermia. But fate takes an unexpected turn when Puck develops his magical powers and Lysander suddenly develops a crush on Helena. Timmermann describes his role as a projection surface for emotions, doubts and responsibility, which underlines the complexity and multi-layered nature of the characters. “Lysander is an exciting character who has many facets,” he reports in an interview.

A magical production

Director Joern Hinkel brings his own style and integrates elements from other Shakespeare plays, which Timmermann describes as an “experiment”. This reinterpretation promises a fresh perspective on the classic work. The collaboration with the festival orchestra, under the musical direction of Christoph Wohlleben, will further enrich the experience and give the piece a special sound, says Timmermann. With the music by Jörg Gollasch, the audience can expect a unique sound experience that underlines the fantastic plot surrounding Hektor's wedding plans.

With a total duration of around three hours, including an intermission, viewers can look forward to an evening full of humour, melancholy and surprising twists. This new production will not only reflect classic Shakespearean motifs, but will also be a hymn to love and theater.

A look at history

The Bad Hersfeld Festival has performed “A Midsummer Night's Dream” several times in its history, since the first production in 1961. Joern Hinkel successfully staged the piece ten years ago, and this time too he is relying on an innovative, creative approach. This year's production marks the end of his season as festival director. With this performance, Hinkel would like to express his ideas of solidarity and creativity, especially in a world characterized by conflict.

For all theater enthusiasts, we recommend attending the introductory lectures in the chapter room in the museum to delve even deeper into Shakespeare's magical world. Some of the dates that have already taken place are already sold out, so it is advisable to act quickly if you want to be there.

After the festival, Timmermann plans to work freelance in Berlin with the dream of one day becoming Richard III. to play. “I’m looking forward to this new challenge,” he explains and looks optimistically to the future.

For anyone who is looking for a magical summer cultural evening, a visit to the Bad Hersfeld Festival on June 20, 2025 is highly recommended. This production of “Midsummer Night’s Dreams” promises to be an unforgettable experience in the heart of Hesse.

Further information about the event can be found on the Bad Hersfeld Festival website here as well as on the Festival guide.

Hersfeld newspaper also reports on the exciting developments that will shape this festival season.