The Ruhrfestspiele is one of the oldest, largest and most renowned theater festivals in Europe. During the annual festival season from May 1 to mid-June, Recklinghausen is transformed into an international cultural and theatrical metropolis.
International drama and dance theater, co-productions with major German-speaking theaters, literature, as well as outstanding productions of the New Circus and selected children's and youth theater productions form the core of the contemporary program. Multidisciplinary performance productions, visual arts, concerts and new discourse formats also seek to address relevant political issues of the present and future. Olaf Kröck has been the director of the Ruhrfestspiele since the 2019 festival season. Together with his team, he sees the Ruhrfestspiele as an open place of encounter where visitors and artists can enter into an exchange about pressing issues of the future.
"Theater shows us the light and shadows of life, it deals with the beautiful and the abysmal, it tells of pain and grief as well as hope and solidarity. Under the motto "Rage and Respect", the Ruhrfestspiele 2023 has become a special place of encounter. And we would also like to announce a very special production for the coming season in advance." Olaf Kröck, Director of the Ruhrfestspiele
For the first time, the 2024 Ruhr Festival season will open with a production from the New Circus. "The Pulse" by the award-winning Australian company Gravity & Other Myths will have its German premiere at the Ruhrfestspielhaus. The grand opening will take place on May 3. Further performances are planned for May 4 and 5.
Beginning of May until mid-June 2024
