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Mephisto in Dresden: Play about fascism takes the stage!
Experience the premiere of "Mephisto" at the Dresden State Theater, a masterful adaptation of Klaus Mann's classic that illuminates the political tensions of the 1920s.
Mephisto in Dresden: Play about fascism takes the stage!
The season opened in Dresden on September 6, 2025 with an impressive production of “Mephisto” based on the novel by Klaus Mann. Director Nicolai Sykosch has decided on a classic adaptation that also addresses political and social issues. The performance, which is three and a half hours long - including an intermission - takes place at the Staatsschauspiel Dresden, where an ensemble of ten talented actors demonstrate their skills. The stage, designed by Stephan Prattes, impresses with the use of spotlights, chairs and sculptural modifications, including a pyre of chairs that creates strong visual accents.
The focus of the plot is Hendrik Höfgen, an ambitious actor in the 1920s. Nadja Stübiger gives an impressive voice to the character, who initially represents left-wing ideals, but later, for example, moves to a director's position in Berlin after throwing his anti-fascist beliefs overboard. During the production, tensions arise in the scenes in the canteen, where emotions run high - this becomes particularly clear in the relationship between Höfgen and his affair Julien.
A cultural and political commentary
Klaus Mann's novel "Mephisto", published in 1936, deals with the rise of National Socialism and the moral decline of an artist who becomes a tool of a totalitarian regime. Deutschlandfunk culture highlights that these topics are still surprisingly relevant today. The production not only reflects what was happening at the time, but also draws parallels to current political trends, such as the AfD or the Pegida movements, which gives it additional weight.
The characters are conceived with a sophisticated dramaturgy that challenges the audience to ask questions about their own attitudes and involvement in social processes. Unfortunately, the political explosiveness is often expressed more succinctly in earlier productions. For example, Deutschlandfunk describes that a performance by Milan Peschel in Hanover dealt more effectively with the themes of collective guilt and responsibility.
The cast and the staging
The participants include well-known faces such as Hans-Werner Leupelt, Christine Hoppe and Marin Blülle, who embodies an ambivalent portrait of an ex-Nazi. The costumes, designed by Annabelle Witt, convey the feeling of the era, while the production impresses with historical echoes without losing sight of the political. Marin Blümme's portrayal of Miklas shows the complexity of the characters in a historical context that is still relevant today.
The performance not only offers a historical review, but also a cross-section of the powerful topics that continue to concern us today. Further information about the production and tickets can be found on the website Dresden State Theater. Anyone interested in theater and reflection on social issues should not miss this production!