A Season of spectacle: premieres and Partnerships

The Burgtheater is set to launch its 2025/26 season with a monumental program, celebrating 250 years of theatrical excellence.Artistic directors Stefan Bachmann and Thomas Jonigk have curated a season featuring 27 premieres, including six within the newly renovated casino space. this landmark season emphasizes collaboration, highlighted by partnerships with both the Salzburg and Bregenz Festivals, promising a dynamic and innovative theatrical experience.

Opening Acts: A Fusion of Festivals

The season commences with a bold statement, intertwining the Burgtheater’s opening with notable festival contributions. On September 4th, audiences can anticipate the Burgtheater premiere of “Bumm Tschack or the Last Henker,” a provocative work directed by Stefan Bachmann, previously showcased at the Bregenz festival starting July 18th. This collaboration marks a first for the Burgtheater with the Bregenz Festival.

Following closely on September 5th, the Burgtheater partners with the Salzburg Festival to present Dušan David Pařízek’s interpretation of Karl Kraus’s epic drama, The Last days of Humanity. This collaboration underscores the Burgtheater’s commitment to engaging with profound and challenging works.

The fusion of talent and vision from the Burgtheater, Salzburg Festival, and Bregenz Festival promises an unparalleled theatrical experience for the 2025/26 season.

A Diverse Repertoire: From Classics to Contemporary Works

Beyond the festival collaborations, the Burgtheater’s season boasts a rich tapestry of productions. Audiences can look forward to premieres such as The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum (starting September 13th), an adaptation of Thomas Bernhard’s novel Reasons to October (from October 16th), and imaginative stagings of Gulliver’s Travels (from November 16th), Das Ferienhaus (from December 18th), and Sankt Falstaff (from may 10th). These diverse offerings ensure a season that caters to a wide range of theatrical tastes.

Shakespearean Intrigue: ofczarek as Richard III

A major highlight of the season is the highly anticipated production of Shakespeare’s Richard III, premiering on november 21st. Nicholas Ofczarek, renowned for his compelling stage presence, will take on the titular role, promising a powerful and unforgettable portrayal of the infamous king. This production is expected to draw significant attention and solidify the Burgtheater’s reputation for staging classic works with contemporary relevance.

Casino Reopening and Community Engagement

Following extensive renovations, the casino space will reopen on September 25th with an immersive soirée by the British-German director collective Gob Squad.This event signals a renewed commitment to innovative and experimental theatrical forms.

The vestibül will continue to serve as a hub for the community department’s triumphant initiatives,including the premiere of The Copies on October 3rd. This ongoing engagement with the local community reinforces the Burgtheater’s role as a vital cultural institution.

Anniversary Celebrations: A Year-Long Commemoration

Throughout the season, the Burgtheater will host a series of special projects and events commemorating its 250th anniversary. These initiatives will include a guest performance by the prestigious Comédie Française in September, further enriching the season’s offerings and highlighting the Burgtheater’s international standing. The Burgtheater is not just celebrating its past but also paving the way for a vibrant future in the world of theater.