Andreas Müller shines as a sophisticated villain at the Störtebeker Festival

Andreas Müller shines as a sophisticated villain at the Störtebeker Festival

The Störtebeker Festival is once again drawing large numbers of spectators to Ralswiek on the picturesque island of Rügen. From June 28th to September 13th, 2025, the natural stage will enchant visitors with a gripping production that tells the adventures of the infamous pirate Klaus Störtebeker. With a new cycle and the performance of the piece “Buyer of the Seas” the pirate once again faces the adversities of the time.

Director Louis Villinger has created a captivating story for the main character Klaus von Alkun, played by Moritz Stephan. Klaus, the son of an impoverished rural aristocrat, transforms from a law-abiding citizen into a feared pirate. Viewers witness how the Wismar construction mafia and mercenaries plunge his world into chaos as he fights against injustice and defends his legacy. Director Villinger emphasizes the emotional depth of this development and makes the viewer a witness to a dramatic change.

The magic of the Störtebeker Festival

The festival, which has been held annually since 1993, has attracted an impressive number of more than 7.3 million visitors over the years. The backdrop of the natural stage, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, is an experience in itself. In 2025, a total of 170 people will be involved in the production, including 12 actors, 9 stuntmen and over 150 small actors. The stage features spectacular elements such as a nave, a farm and several cogs. The spectators also get their money's worth with seven sword fights and impressive stunts.

This year, actor Andreas Müller, 42, will also have his premiere at the festival. He takes on the role of treasure hunter and schemer Alexander Brandt, who does everything he can to consolidate his power. Müller describes the challenge of playing a villain on the big theater stage as extremely exciting. In order to get into the role, he developed a comprehensive backstory for Brandt and is well equipped with the costume, a long coat with rhinestones.

“The positive feedback and the boos are part of the game,” says Müller, who has to listen to both praise and criticism during his performances. His role is characterized by themes such as deceit, bribery and murder - all in the service of the power game. So far the audience has been enthusiastic about the production, which impresses with a mixture of action, great emotion and an authentic medieval parade.

Tickets and dates for the festival

The Störtebeker Festival takes place Monday to Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by phone or online and cost between 20 and 48 euros. The offer awaits an interested audience who will be treated to a new production and a varied program.

The Störtebeker Festival is not only a homage to the pirate Klaus Störtebeker, who was executed in Hamburg in 1401, but also an interesting examination of the history of this legendary figure. Be there when stories of adventure and injustice come to life in picturesque Ralswiek. Visitors can look forward to an unforgettable time, while the Störtebeker Festival remains a fixture in the region's artistic calendar.

You can find further insights into the history of the festival at Baltic Sea newspaper, you can find exciting information about the production at NDR, and deepen your knowledge about the festival Wikipedia.