The Chemnitz Theaters are bringing the novel “Rummelplatz” by Chemnitz-born author Werner Bräunig to the stage. The production is based on his novel of the same name, which is being adapted for the stage as a musical theater piece by German musician and composer Ludger Vollmer and German author Jenny Erpenbeck.
Because of his unvarnished realism, author Werner Bräunig came under the scrutiny of the SED regime. It broke him, yet his central question remains: How do people become shapers of society? The opera explores how people relate to social conditions, the political system, and the ideas and moods of their time.
The project is complemented by a writing workshop between Chemnitz and the Czech city of Ústí nad Labem, as well as a conference that places the novel within historical and contemporary contexts.
As part of the European Capital of Culture 2025, “Rummelplatz” celebrated its world premiere on September 20, 2025, at the Chemnitz Opera House. This was followed by numerous sold-out performances and additional showings. The production also received widespread acclaim beyond the region: it was honored with an international OPERA! Award and is nominated for the German Theater Prize DER FAUST 2026 in the “Music Theater Direction” category.
Because of his unvarnished realism, author Werner Bräunig came under the scrutiny of the SED regime. It broke him, yet his central question remains: How do people become shapers of society? The opera explores how people relate to social conditions, the political system, and the ideas and moods of their time.
The project is complemented by a writing workshop between Chemnitz and the Czech city of Ústí nad Labem, as well as a conference that places the novel within historical and contemporary contexts.
As part of the European Capital of Culture 2025, “Rummelplatz” celebrated its world premiere on September 20, 2025, at the Chemnitz Opera House. This was followed by numerous sold-out performances and additional showings. The production also received widespread acclaim beyond the region: it was honored with an international OPERA! Award and is nominated for the German Theater Prize DER FAUST 2026 in the “Music Theater Direction” category.
