New look at The Captain von Köpenick at the Cottbus State Theater!

New look at The Captain von Köpenick at the Cottbus State Theater!

On September 21, 2025, the Cottbus State Theater celebrated the premiere of Sebastian Hartmann's production of “The Captain of Köpenick”. Under the direction of the new interim artistic director Hasko Weber, Hartmann, who spent his childhood in Cottbus, returned to the stage and performed a new interpretation of Carl Zuckmayer's classic. In this version, the story of Wilhelm Voigt, a shoemaker who cannot find a job due to a lack of papers, is presented in a current and critical way. Voigt, who disguises himself as a captain in order to solve his own problems, becomes a symbol of failed identity and the pressure of social norms.

Hartmann's production, which is described as serious and bitterly evil, goes beyond a mere comedy. This performance stimulates deep reflections on life's dreams, lies and illusions. The beginning of the performance is an exciting game with the audience's expectations: a jester in a fantasy costume leads through the evening and creates a connection between theater and reality. An ensemble of hand-made speakers who speak in a non-Berlin dialect gives the performance a no less chaotic and over-the-top tone, reminiscent of a danse macabre.

A look behind the scenes

A particular separation between what happens on stage and real life is evident in Hartmann's approach. He reveals the ensemble's rehearsal work, in which the actors act without fixed roles. This makes the performance simultaneously lively and flexible, while addressing key themes such as identity and uniformity in society. This is embodied most impressively by the empty uniform, which symbolizes tiredness.

The production not only deals with questions of personal fate, but also addresses social and political issues. Hartmann criticizes the re-emerging militarism and reflects on our current identities, which are heavily influenced by social media. It becomes clear here that theater goes far beyond entertainment and serves as a platform for critical social and political debates. As das-wissen.de emphasizes, theater promotes understanding of complex topics and encourages discussion of current issues.

The performance lasts 1 hour and 50 minutes without an intermission and features an impressive ensemble that masterfully carries the tone and style of the production. Contributors such as Torben Appel, Charlotte Müller and Charlie Schülke bring Voigt's story to the stage intensively and impressively. Reviews praise the catchiness and emotional resonance of the performance, which noticeably touches the audience.

An evening of theater with a lasting impact

Hartmann's direction makes “The Captain of Köpenick” not only a theater classic, but also a work that addresses pressing social issues and initiates innovative discussions. This dynamic combination of art and social relevance shows how important theater is in times of social tension. As die-deutsche-buehne.de reports, the production conveys deeper insights into lies and illusions, which is reinforced by the manipulative character of the presentation and the critical handling of ideologies.

At a time when forms of cultural expression are more relevant than ever, the theater in Cottbus offers space for reflection and discussion. The evening ends with a song that underlines the abyss of the topic and leaves a lasting impression. Here it becomes clear once again that theater is an important catalyst for social change and motivates viewers to confront the reality of life.