Name: The Broken Jug, Heinrich von Kleist, Calderon Plays 2026
Start: 2026-07-03T22:30:00+02:00
End: 2026-07-03T22:30:00+02:00
Location: Alte Hofhaltung

A classic in the open air: Kleist's The Broken Jug in the Old Court

When Heinrich von Kleist's most famous comedy takes the stage in the Old Court, linguistic precision meets historical backdrop, courtroom satire meets summery theater atmosphere. The evening of the Calderon Plays 2026 promises a stage experience where comedy, abuse of power, and deception shine through with that bitter elegance that has made Kleist's play so captivating since its inception. The performance takes place on July 3, 2026, at 8:30 PM in Bamberg; advance sales are available to the public. ([bamberg.info](https://www.bamberg.info/veranstaltungen/der_zerbrochne_krug_heinrich_v-819331-12685985/))

When the courtroom becomes the stage of revelation

At the center is Judge Adam, who, after a sleepless night, is disheveled, off-balance, and yet wants to assert control over the courtroom as usual. But Kleist's dramaturgy does not allow him to escape: An inspector oversees every step, every evasion, every lie. What begins as seemingly a trivial case about a broken jug evolves into a precise comedy about authority, pretense, and the crumbling of moral facades. The play is regarded as one of the great classics of German-language theater and has often been interpreted in reception history as village satire and later increasingly as a sharp play about power and sexualized violence. ([staatsschauspiel-dresden.de](https://www.staatsschauspiel-dresden.de/spielplan/archive/d/der_zerbrochne_krug/?utm_source=openai))

Historical backdrop, vibrant stage art

The Old Court is one of Bamberg's most impressive locations. The Renaissance complex, with its romantic inner courtyard and the famous Beautiful Gate, creates an atmosphere where acting, lighting, and summer air combine into a special theater experience. The venue is conditionally wheelchair accessible; an elevator and a barrier-free restroom are available, but access is via cobblestones. Disabled parking spaces are located at the Cathedral Square about 100 meters away. ([bamberg.info](https://www.bamberg.info/poi/alte_hofhaltung-4659/))

Staging with character

Jasper Brandis is responsible for directing the Bamberg Calderon Plays 2026, with set design by Anna Siegrot and dramaturgy by Antonia Leitgeb-Busche. The cast featuring Stephan Ullrich, Eric Wehlan, Marek Egert, Iris Hochberger, Laura Röseler, Daniel Warland, and Hermia Gerdes promises ensemble theater with clear linguistic presence and precise timing. Especially with Kleist, the balance of comedy and abyss determines the impact: Laughter comes swiftly, the realization follows afterward. ([bamberg.info](https://www.bamberg.info/veranstaltungen/der_zerbrochne_krug_heinrich_v-819331-12685985/))

What the audience can expect

The focus is on an evening that brings together Kleist's wordplay, the power of the ensemble, and the historical venue. Those who love theater will not just experience a classic here, but a stage experience that reveals the tragedy behind the comedy. Audience reactions are likely to oscillate between amused contemplation and eager revelation. The strength of this comedy lies precisely in that: it entertains, reveals, and lingers in the mind. ([staatsschauspiel-dresden.de](https://www.staatsschauspiel-dresden.de/spielplan/archive/d/der_zerbrochne_krug/?utm_source=openai))

A summer evening in the Old Court, a great Kleist, an ensemble with a fine sense of comedy: Those seeking theater with historical depth and lively presence should experience this performance live. ([bamberg.info](https://www.bamberg.info/poi/alte_hofhaltung-4659/))