100 years of Schlossfestspiele
Theater und Orchester Heidelberg, in collaboration with Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg, is presenting an exhibition in the Ottheinrichsbau that explores the history of the Schlossfestspiele in detail and brings special exhibits and documents to life.
Accompanying texts and materials relating to the exhibition, which is being held on the premises of Heidelberg Castle, are compiled here.
The years 1926 to 1929
Foundation of the festival
The festival was founded in 1926 thanks to an initiative from within Heidelberg’s civic society. It grew at a breathtaking pace and went on to rival the Salzburg Festival.
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Midsummer Night’s Dream
»A Midsummer Night’s Dream« becomes a celebrated success and a long-running hit. The production sets new standards for performances in the courtyard of Heidelberg Castle.
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The year of crisis 1929
The production of »Troilus and Cressida«, which was marred by problems and scandals, marked both the high point and the end of the festival’s first era. A Nazi smear campaign played a decisive role in the festival’s failure.
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Biographies and destinies
The Nazi regime drove many artists from the festival’s early years into exile. Selected biographies bring these stories to life, setting them in contrast to those who »stayed behind«.
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All productions from 1926 to 1929
The years 1934 to 1939
The exploitation of the festival concept under National Socialism
The Nazis recognised the value of the festival for their propaganda and as a cultural showcase. The festival was co-opted and exploited for ideological purposes.
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All productions from 1934 to 1939
The years 1950 to 1958
Turning old into new, a continuation in the spirit of the 1930s
For eight years, from 1950 to 1958, the »Schloss-Spiele« were revived. Failed attempts to revive the festival and the »Schloss-Spiele« themselves are symptomatic of how Germany’s past was dealt with in the 1950s.
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All productions from 1950 to 1958
The years 1974 to 2000
Music Theatre Festival in the wake of »Student Prince«
In the wake of the oil crisis, the Heidelberg Tourist Board relaunched the festival in 1974 with »A Student Prince«, aimed primarily at American tourists. This marked the beginning of a diverse musical theatre festival held at Heidelberg Castle.
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All productions from 1974 to 2000
The years 2001 to 2026
A festival for all genres
In 2001, drama returns to Heidelberg Castle. Subsequently, the Heidelberg Castle Festival develops into a festival encompassing all genres.
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