Festival Theater of the World: Festival start with screaming choir and throat singing

On June 18, 2026, the city of Chemnitz became the center of global theatrical attention as the festival “Theater der Welt” commenced its three-week run. This prestigious international theater festival, held every three years, brings together artists and productions from all over the world under one roof. The opening night featured a powerful performance titled Split Tooth: Saputjiji, created by Canadian artist Tanya Tagaq, which premiered in Germany. The piece intertwines themes from Tagaq’s novel Eisfuchs with her current album, where throat singing—a traditional form of Inuit music—plays a central role. The festival has made a clear statement right from the start, emphasizing indigenous voices and perspectives, which have often been marginalized in mainstream Western theater.

The festival's program includes more than 30 international theatrical productions running until July 5, offering a diverse range of experiences. From the pop opera Nkoli: A Fierce & Fabulous Life, which honors the life of anti-apartheid activist Simon Nkoli, to the Czech production Amadoka, which explores a century of Ukrainian history through a trilogy of novels, the lineup reflects a broad spectrum of cultural and political narratives. Additionally, visitors can experience figure theater, performances, and even virtual reality installations that transport audiences into artificial worlds. These varied offerings highlight the festival’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity in theatrical expression.

The programming committee consists of nine international curators who were tasked with assembling the festival's schedule. According to Yvonne Büdenhölzer, president of the International Institute of Theater, the festival aims to foster dialogue and creativity through multiple perspectives. She emphasized that theater transcends political, linguistic, and geographic boundaries, serving as a medium to give voice to marginalized groups. This ethos aligns with the festival’s mission to showcase the best of international stage art and promote cross-cultural understanding.

Chemnitz’s mayor, Sven Schulze of the SPD party, praised the festival for bringing the world’s finest theatrical talent to his city. He expressed excitement about the anticipated transformation of Chemnitz into a vibrant hub of artistic activity during the festival period. Festival director Christoph Dittrich, who also serves as head of the hosting Chemnitz Theater, expects the event to create a sense of metropolitan energy within the city. As the days progress, he anticipates that people from many countries will contribute to making Chemnitz lively and colorful.

Before the official opening on the evening of June 18, children had already begun their participation in the festival. At the Hartmannfabrik, young attendees engaged in creative activities such as crumpling paper, tearing it, and gluing it back together to make animals, costumes, and imaginative plants. This project, known as Paper Planet, is part of the Australian Polyglot Theatre’s initiative to construct a forest made entirely of paper and cardboard over several days. The structure is designed to grow each day, inviting both children and adults to explore the possibilities of imagination and environmental consciousness through art.

In addition to these creative endeavors, the Finnish men’s choir Mieskuoro Huutajat from Oulu performed on the Chemnitzer Theaterplatz. Known for their unique repertoire that involves shouting rather than singing, the group represents one of Europe’s two cultural capitals, highlighting the festival’s emphasis on diversity and regional representation. Their performance added a distinct auditory element to the opening festivities, further enriching the sensory experience for attendees.

As the festival progresses, it promises to delve deeper into global issues such as identity, origin, justice, and power dynamics. With its wide array of performances and thought-provoking themes, “Theater der Welt” sets the stage for an engaging exploration of contemporary societal challenges through the lens of theater. The upcoming weeks will see continued engagement with these topics, ensuring that the festival remains a dynamic platform for artistic and intellectual exchange.