Gadebuskers celebrate 500 years of Luther's wedding with a big theater piece

Gadebuskers celebrate 500 years of Luther's wedding with a big theater piece

A big celebration is being planned in Gadebusch, the birthplace of Martin Luther, on October 31, 2025 - and for a very special reason: the 500th wedding anniversary of Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora will be celebrated with a theater performance. This one-off performance, held as part of Reformation Day, is expected to bring together around 20 local citizens on stage. Pastor Christian Schnepf had the idea of ​​hiring actors who had already appeared in a film about the city for the piece. The film, produced by Hartwig Meyer, featured costumed amateur actors, passionately supporting the premise of the upcoming play.

Stephan Bullrich will direct. The former music teacher, who lived in Gadebusch for 54 years, brings valuable experience as an amateur actor. The play itself was written by Matthias de Bor and reflects the historically significant events surrounding Luther's marriage, which took place in 1525, exactly on June 13th. There are only four days of rehearsals left before the performance, so the anticipation in the city is palpable.

Luther's legacy and his meaning

Martin Luther played a crucial role in the Reformation, which fundamentally changed the face of the church and society in Germany. His publication of the “95 Theses” on October 31, 1517 in Wittenberg marked the beginning of this movement, which, among other things, criticized the sale of indulgences. These theses led to the founding of the Protestant Church and defended themselves against Roman Catholic teaching. It is historically controversial whether Luther actually nailed his theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church, but October 31st is still considered a symbolic day of rebellion against the church's abuses.

Since 2018, Reformation Day has been a public holiday in many northern German states, further consolidating flowers and traditions in the region and keeping the memory of Luther's significant contributions to society alive. In addition to religious celebrations, good cuisine was not forgotten: after the performance on October 31st, all guests are invited to coffee and cake. If the weather is nice, the entertainment will take place outdoors, otherwise it will take place in the church.

The piece as a community project

The idea of ​​creating a theatrical performance for this occasion arose during the city's New Year's reception. The sense of community is strong and the project is supported by the entire city. Bullrich and his team are in the final stages of rehearsals. The dress rehearsal will take place directly before the performance, so everything can start promptly at 11 a.m. Preparations are more intense than ever and the excitement is palpable.

Coming to terms with history will offer a unique experience not only to the people of Gadebusch, but also to visitors. October 31st in Gadebusch is celebrated not only as the day of the Reformation, but also as a reminder of the personal history of a man who pushed the boundaries of questions of faith far beyond his time. Another step into the future, while at the same time not forgetting the roots of the past.