Witchwood

Hexenholz - Premiere May 23, 2026

Singspiel based on the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel Music by Wolfgang Böhmer

Text by Rebekka Kricheldorf Commissioned by the Mecklenburg State Theater for ages 5 and up

Premiere May 23, 2026

Hansel and Gretel, who have been kicked out of their home, embark on an adventurous journey through the urban jungle. The two encounter strange characters, dangerous temptations and new challenges. They can no longer find their way home and end up in a truly diabolical witch's house. A suspiciously friendly couple lives here, dedicated to the ideal of eternal youth and beauty. But behind the radiant façade lies a dark secret: the couple are up to no good with children...

The Mecklenburg State Theatre is putting out feelers and bringing theater to the Großer Dreesch in cooperation with the Neu Zippendorf/Mueßer Holz district management. Theater professionals meet culture-loving children and young people to retell the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel together. Renowned theater composer Wolfgang Böhmer and award-winning playwright Rebekka Kricheldorf have written a new musical comedy especially for the occasion. The fairy-tale open-air show will be staged by director Nina Gühlstorff, who is responsible for opening projects at the Mecklenburg State Theater. The children's choir, which is jointly supported by the Mecklenburg State Theater, the Schwerin Conservatory and the Schwerin Singakademie, will also be taking part. Other cooperation partners include the Ataraxia cultural school, the Bertolt Brecht integrated comprehensive school and the Nils Holgersson elementary school.