When will the performance take place?

The performance begins on 08.07.2026 at 20:30.

Where will it be performed?

It will be performed in the Old Courtyard at the Cathedral Square in Bamberg.

What is the ticket price?

The ticket price starts at 40 euros.

Is the venue accessible for disabled persons?

Yes, the access is barrier-free. Wheelchair-accessible seats are provided in the theater.

Is it an open-air performance?

Yes, the production is designed for the historical setting of the Old Courtyard as an open-air theater.

Kleist's The Broken Jug Ignites Summer Stage Magic in Bamberg's Old Courtyard

Name: The Broken Jug, Heinrich von Kleist, Calderon Plays 2026
Start: 2026-07-08T22:30:00+02:00
End: 2026-07-08T22:30:00+02:00
Location: Alte Hofhaltung

A Classic Under the Open Sky: Kleist's The Broken Jug in the Old Courtyard

When Heinrich von Kleist's comedy conquers the historical stage of the Old Courtyard, linguistic precision meets summer theater atmosphere. On July 8, 2026, at 20:30, a comedy unfolds in the heart of Bamberg that has long been considered one of the sharpest judicial satires in German literature. Judge Adam, who has himself gotten entangled in his own lies, is at the center of an evening that intertwines comedy, critique of power, and fine acting artistry.

A Court Trial as a Play of Language

The Broken Jug thrives on a dramaturgically masterfully constructed interrogation play, where every twist opens a new trapdoor. What begins as a banal question about a broken jug develops into a grotesque power play about guilt, deception, and self-revelation. Kleist's text remains surprisingly contemporary: The comedy shows how fragile authority becomes when it has to control itself.

The Historical Setting as a Co-Player

The Old Courtyard gives this Calderon Plays production a special resonance. Amidst Renaissance facades and the open sky, a stage world emerges in which the language of the classic sounds different: more direct, brighter, with stronger presence in the room. The open-air stage experience emphasizes the architectural dignity of the place and enhances the theater atmosphere with every performance, every pause, every fleeting glance in the courtroom dispute.

Direction, Design, and Ensemble with Precision

Directed by Jasper Brandis, the set design is overseen by Anna Siegrot, while Antonia Leitgeb-Busche dramaturgically accompanies the production. The ensemble featuring Stephan Ullrich, Eric Wehlan, Marek Egert, Iris Hochberger, Laura Röseler, Daniel Warland, and Hermia Gerdes brings Kleist's linguistic wit to life. It is precisely in this constellation that the mixture of pace, timing, and character delineation arises, elevating the piece from mere school reading to vivid stage art.

Kleist Today: A Comedy with Edge

Since its premiere, The Broken Jug has been regarded as a work that is much more than a comedy. Behind the humor lies a razor-sharp analysis of patriarchal order, institutional weakness, and social pressure. This is exactly where the power of this production lies: It invites the audience not only to laugh but also to take a closer look. Every audience reaction becomes part of an evening that combines lightness and insight.

Conclusion: A Summer Evening for Theater Lovers

Those looking for a classic moment in Bamberg will find a stage experience here filled with wit, depth, and historical brilliance. The Broken Jug promises a clever, sensual, and entertaining performance that lets Kleist's comedy shine anew in the open air. Experience the theater evening in the Old Courtyard live now and discover the power of a great German classic.