Between science fiction, pop music, and existential quest: With "Lazarus," the Staatstheater Darmstadt brings the extraordinary musical by David Bowie and Enda Walsh to the stage. The story of a stranded alien becomes a poetic reflection on loneliness, longing, and the question of the meaning of life.
At the center of "Lazarus" is Thomas Newton, an alien who once came to Earth to find water for his home planet. But he is denied a return to the stars. Instead, he settles on Earth, founds a successful company, and tries to gain a foothold in the human world. But his dream of a new life slowly crumbles amid loneliness, unfulfilled love, and the coldness of human civilization.
The character of Thomas Newton is based on the novel "The Man Who Fell to Earth" by Walter Tevis, which was made into a film in 1976 with David Bowie in the lead role. Decades later, Bowie revisited the story and collaborated with playwright Enda Walsh to develop the musical "Lazarus." In it, we encounter Newton many years later in his New York apartment, where he—plagued by alcohol, memories, and his own immortality—becomes increasingly desperate.
When a mysterious girl suddenly appears in his life, Newton embarks on a new, enigmatic journey. Between reality, dreams, and visions, the question arises as to whether there is still a way out of his existence for him.
Featuring numerous songs from David Bowie's oeuvre, "Lazarus" combines musical theater with rock, pop, and poetic storytelling. The production at the Staatstheater Darmstadt brings this unusual story to the stage as an atmospheric evening of theater—a play about longing, transience, and the dream of eternal life.
Premiere April 24,
Further performances: April 30, May 21, 30, and 31, June 12, 20, and 25, 2026
