Wolfenbüttel

Heinrich Heine was a poet full of contradictions: romantic and ironic, affectionate and mocking, witty and light and deeply melancholic. As a passionate lover and sharp-eyed observer of his time, he is one of the most multifaceted authors of the 19th century — always brilliant, never boring. Politically inconvenient and, as a Jew, persecuted even after his conversion, he was hounded by censorship and ultimately driven into exile in Paris. Literary expert Christa Linsenmaier-Wolf has compiled a vivid biographical sketch from poems, letters, and prose texts — from the early lyrical beginnings to the later years in the famous “mattress grave.” Well-known texts such as “Loreley,” “In the wonderfully beautiful month of May,” or “When I think of Germany” meet less familiar passages and open up a fresh view of Heine’s work. Walter Sittler lends Heinrich Heine his voice. Siniša Ljubojević accompanies him with atmospheric accordion sounds. A literary-musical homage to one of the most charming and at the same time sharpest minds in German literature. *Concept: Christa Linsenmaier-Wolf* *Cast: Siniša Ljubojević (accordion), Walter Sittler*

"On Fire" leads into a visually striking world full of imagination and movement. Light and shadow merge into flowing choreographies, while a varied mix of music and precisely placed lighting accents intensify the visual impressions. The screen transforms into a space for vivid scenes, poetic moments, and surprising formations that reveal the special appeal of this art form. *The Mobilés* have for many years been one of the outstanding ensembles in shadow theatre. Among the highlights of their international career are winning the French talent show in Paris as well as two awards at the renowned comedy festival "Juste pour rire" in Montreal - the Creativity Award and the Audience Award. Regular TV appearances in the German-speaking world have further increased the ensemble's recognition. Precise, imaginative, and carried by unmistakable aesthetic power - shadow theatre in its most impressive form. *Production: Die Mobilés & Magnetic Music*

With a festive concert, the *Harz Symphony Orchestra* welcomes the new year at the Lessing Theater. Under the musical direction of Johannes Rieger, the orchestra presents an exuberant evening that combines the elegance of the traditional New Year’s Concert with its own distinctive touches. The program takes the audience through beloved works of the classical orchestral repertoire — from lively waltzes and brisk polkas to sparkling concert overtures. Rich melodies, virtuosic orchestral colors, and cheerful surprises create a festive atmosphere that is perfect for the start of the year. Johannes Rieger, for many years the defining conductor and artistic director of the *Harz Theater*, shapes a warm, dynamic sound full of energy and precision together with the *Harz Symphony Orchestra*. A Happy New Year! *Musical direction: Johannes Rieger* *Cast: Harz Symphony Orchestra* *Production: Harz Theater*

Sabah and Romain grow up door to door — she, a girl with Algerian roots, he, a French boy. Out of their deep friendship, a tender love story unfolds over the years. In flashbacks, Romain recounts shared childhood experiences, their first kiss, and those moments in which they both grow through each other. At the same time, social tensions, family expectations, and religious prejudices draw closer and begin to strain their relationship. In this story, lightness and pain, as well as humor and seriousness, are woven into an intense chamber play about love, origins, and identity. The play shows how two young people remain closely connected despite all differences — and how fragile that bond can become in the eyes of the adult world. Fabrice Melquiot is one of the most important contemporary French playwrights. His works for children, young people, and adults have received numerous awards * (German Children's Theatre Prize 2018)* and have been translated into many languages. *Production: Westfälisches Landestheater* *Performance rights with Felix Bloch Erben GmbH & Co KG, Berlin | www.felix-bloch-erben.de*

After a personal upheaval, former university professor Charlie lives in seclusion on a couch in northern Idaho — a condition author Samuel D. Hunter describes as “stranded.” He experiences human closeness only through a dedicated nurse, the young Mormon Elder Thomas, and the cautious renewed contact with his ex-wife and teenage daughter Ellie. The play does not move us because of Charlie’s extreme obesity or his critical health condition, but because of Hunter’s precise yet empathetic взгляд at his characters. With a fine sense of dramaturgy, he creates characters that resonate on multiple emotional levels and stay in the memory. In intense scenes, present and past come together like pieces of a puzzle to form a picture of inner distress, missed opportunities, and deep longing. Only in the moving finale does it become clear why an essay on Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick” runs as a thread through the story of the isolated online English teacher, and what existential questions unfold from it. *Direction: Stephan Hoffmann* *Set design: Izabela Joanna Münchow-Glódź* *Cast: Iris Boss, Franziska Endres, Rajko Geith, Torsten Münchow, Daria Vivien Wolf* *Production: Konzertdirektion Landgraf*

Jennifer and Michael Ehnert have turned their marriage into a stage show for years — with great success. Known from »Küss langsam« and »Zweikampfhasen«, they dissect biological differences, gender debates, communication pitfalls, and the partner’s everyday mistakes with sharp wit. Their new program »We Need to Talk« begins with the realization that many couples’ therapies are strikingly reminiscent of acting techniques. So the two simply move the therapy into their own living room — in pajamas and without professional guidance. What emerges is a glimpse into the worlds of couples that usually remain hidden: humorous, uncompromising, and full of rapid-fire exchanges. With a satirical eye, the Ehnerts take aim at social debates, political absurdities, and global imbalances without losing the charm of their pointed relationship humor. The result is a fast-paced two-person comedy that combines observations from everyday life, self-irony, and sharp social criticism. A comedic duet full of energy and playfulness that is as revealing as it is entertaining. *Cast: Jennifer Ehnert, Michael Ehnert*

The music of the legendary Dire Straits around Mark Knopfler is brought authentically to the stage. Alex Moll and his top-class band deliver an electrifying concert evening full of classics and handmade music that immediately sticks in your head.

Anyone who has ever played an instrument knows: music is most enjoyable when many people sound together. But how does that actually work? What does everyone need to do for an orchestra to come together? And what secrets lie hidden in an ensemble like the *Göttingen Symphony Orchestra*? This family concert explores these questions in an entertaining way—and at the same time draws a line to Ludwig van Beethoven. The “magic wand” also plays a role ... although of course it is called something quite different. Among other things, answers are provided by “The Magic Baton.” The Austrian percussionist and singer Karin Meissl hosts the concert. As a passionate music educator, she shows how one can immerse oneself in the world of the orchestra with wonder, curiosity, and great enjoyment. A concert that encourages both young and old listeners to think along and listen to music with fun and a spirit of discovery. This concert under the direction of Lea Ray is supported as part of the concert funding *Forum Dirigieren – an initiative of the German Music Council –* from funds provided by the *Society for the Exploitation of Ancillary Copyrights mbH (GVL)*. *Host: Karin Meissl Conductor: Lea Ray*

The horn — once a symbol of hunting, nature, and the heroic — discovered a whole new lyrical side in the 19th century. With the development of the valve horn, it became the ideal musical conversational partner for the piano. Thus, in the Romantic era, a fascinating repertoire emerged, full of warmth, intimacy, and great expressive power. At St. George Church Wendessen, two internationally acclaimed artists, Felix Klieser and Claire Huangci, can be heard. Klieser is one of the most extraordinary horn players of his generation. He began playing the horn at the age of four and became a junior student in Hanover at 13. Honored with the ECHO Klassik, the Leonard Bernstein Award, and other prizes, he has appeared at major venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Ravenna Festival. Joining him is the American pianist Claire Huangci, who won the prestigious Géza Anda Competition and its Mozart Prize in 2018. She performs worldwide in venues such as Carnegie Hall New York, the Elbphilharmonie, the Berlin Philharmonie, and the Vienna Konzerthaus, and is known as a soloist and chamber musician for her technical brilliance and expressive musicality. Together, the two artists devote themselves to works from the Romantic and late Romantic periods, including pieces by Robert Schumann, Paul Dukas, Joseph Rheinberger, and Richard Strauss. Their interplay combines virtuosity with great musical familiarity and allows the horn to be experienced in all its facets: warm, lyrical, powerful, and deeply human. An extraordinary concert evening with two extraordinary artistic personali

A list of the little things that make life worth living — that is how the story begins of a seven-year-old boy who tries to counter the pain in his family. Ice cream. Water fights. Staying up later and watching TV. The reason for these early notes is his mother’s first suicide attempt. Over the years, the boy grows older, and the list gets longer: 26. Peeing in the sea and nobody noticing. 320. Making up after an argument. 123321. Palindromes. The collection is meant to help his mother, who struggles with depression, and his father, who cannot find a way to deal with his grief — and at the same time becomes an instrument of survival for the son himself. As a young adult, he falls in love, begins to study, and adds new items: 517. Being so familiar with someone that you can ask them to check whether bits of parsley are stuck between your teeth. The British playwright Duncan Macmillan has written an affirming, humorous monologue about the serious subject of depression. By directly involving the audience, a shared moment is created, full of closeness, lightness, and unexpected confidence. *Direction: Katinka Kratzert* *Set design: Elke König* *Cast: Florian Bender* *Production: Wolfgang Borchert Theater*

The singer-songwriter Falk invites audiences to a special evening with “Falk & Friends,” where music, humor, and pointed observations of everyday life come together. With his intelligent, warm-hearted, and at the same time sharply worded songs, Falk is one of the distinctive voices on the German-language singer-songwriter scene. Poetic imagery, subtle wit, and a direct взгляд at life shape his songs. Together with Robert Alan, Sarah Lesch, and *GYMMICK*, a varied program full of musical diversity is created. Robert Alan enriches the evening with idiosyncratic humor and lyrical depth. Sarah Lesch presents songs from her current album “Poesie & Widerstand,” which tells of solidarity, civic courage, and quiet confidence. *GYMMICK*, singer-songwriter, cartoonist, and viral satirist, combines poetry and sharp-witted humor in his performances. Thus, “Falk & Friends” promises an evening full of spontaneity, surprising encounters, and handmade music somewhere between songcraft, cabaret, and storytelling.

After 37 years, the gentlemen of *Herbert Knebel's Monkey Theater* are still on stage with full energy. The new program, »Full Throttle!«, lives up to its name and is touring with a mix of offbeat humor, hot music, and unmistakable Ruhrpott charm. Even though the coach has left his wild touring life behind, Herbert Knebel, Ozzy Ostermann, and Ernst Pichel are not taking it any easier. They are joined by three top-class musicians: Tomek on trumpet, Ludek on trombone, and Bumm-Bumm-Roy from Remscheid on drums. An unbeatable combination of comedy, live music, and dry wit ensures that there won't be a dry eye in the house. A program full of high-energy rhythms and sharp-witted punchlines that delights both die-hard fans and new audiences alike. Whether it's your first time or your umpteenth — nobody will want to miss this monkey theater! *Cast: Martin Breuer, Georg Göbel-Jakobi, Ludwig Götz, Thomas Inderka, Stefan Lammert, Uwe Lyko*

Light casts shadows. The human spirit creates bright, expansive spaces — and at the same time the dark abyss that dwells within us all. This other side can wound, destroy, and in extreme cases even kill. When this wound opens up, our perspective changes: every good deed, every success suddenly acquires a flaw, and the shadow settles over our actions. How do we recognize the approaching darkness? How do we live with it? What burden does it place on us and on the people we love? And can it be captured before a crack becomes an indelible blackness? The chamber dance project “Shadow Catchers” confronts this duality of human existence. It is a choreographic exploration of what is repressed — and at the same time an approach to that force which is necessary in order to endure one’s own shadow and look it in the face. *Choreography: Tarek Assam, Zach Enquist* *Cast: Dance ensemble* *Production: Harztheater*

How can we do more ourselves for our health and well-being? That is exactly what the Wolfenbüttel Health Day is about. On this day, 22 exhibitors from different areas of alternative and holistic health present their offerings, their knowledge, and various ways to actively integrate health into everyday life. The exhibition is complemented by 8 talks and workshops taking place throughout the day. Visitors can listen, ask questions, try out new things, and speak personally with the exhibitors. The Health Day aims to inform, inspire, and make different perspectives on health accessible. It is not about replacing medical treatment, but about conveying knowledge, better understanding connections, and learning about your own options for a health-conscious everyday life. Health should not be a privilege. It should be understandable and accessible to everyone. That is why the Health Day is explicitly aimed at everyone — regardless of whether they already have experience with holistic health topics or are simply curious and interested. 🌿 22 exhibitors 🎤 8 talks & workshops 🤝 Personal exchange and new inspiration 🍃 Information on alternative and holistic health Come by, discover, ask questions, and take home new inspiration for your own health.