"The theatre resembled a madhouse, rolling eyes, clenched fists, stamping feet, hoarse cries in the auditorium! Strange people fell sobbing into each other's arms. It was a general dissolution as in chaos, out of whose mists a new creation bursts forth", is reported after the premiere of Friedrich Schiller's first work "The Robbers" in 1782 at the Mannheim theatre.
Even in the Schiller Year, which is also the anniversary year of Mannheim's National Theatre, the Robbers must not be missing - even if no one faints today. Esther Schweins introduces the world's oldest municipal theatre, which celebrates its 225th birthday this season and is inextricably linked with the name Schiller.
In the film, artistic director Ulrich Schwab, his predecessor Arnold Petersen and theatre director Jens-Daniel Herzog talk about the Swabian freedom thinker. Excerpts from current productions of the Schauspiel, the opera and the Schnawwl youth theatre, as well as archive footage, e.g. with audience favourite Willy Birgel, provide insights into the long history of theatre in Mannheim.
In addition, General Music Director Adam Fischer explains what a "Mannheim Crescendo" is and Schiller's first direct successor as house author at the National Theatre has his say.
Theatrescapes: Nationaltheater Mannheim
"The theatre resembled a madhouse, rolling eyes, clenched fists, stamping feet, hoarse cries in the auditorium! Strange people fell sobbing into each other's arms. It was a general dissolution as in chaos, out of whose mists a new creation bursts forth", is reported after the premiere of Friedrich Schiller's first work "The Robbers" in 1782 at the Mannheim theatre.
