Dear residents of Wiesbaden,

As part of the International May Festival, the Hessian State Theater in Wiesbaden is once again presenting a diverse program for young and old from May 1 through 31. With 270 artists from 28 countries, the festival at the Hessian State Theater in Wiesbaden is celebrating its 130th anniversary.

On behalf of the state capital of Wiesbaden—but also on a very personal note—I am delighted that artists from the fields of opera, concert, theater, dance, directing, and performance from all over the world are once again our guests in our city. 

The festival’s theme is the archive—as a place of preservation, remembrance, and reflection. An archive that forges identity while constantly evolving. Throughout its long history, the International May Festival has always been an occasion for the people of Wiesbaden to bring together international guests, tradition, and the present. Here, the great works of history and the latest interpretations by leading artists of our time come together. As a result, the festival itself functions as a living chronicle of theater, one that continues through countless encounters. This year’s Maifestspiele will open with Richard Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde.”

With the free “Maifestspiele für alle” on Friday, May 1, there will be live opera open-air on the Warmer Damm: the big stars free of charge for everyone who wants to experience the full five hours of Wagner or just briefly immerse themselves in the intoxicating music. Those new to the world of opera can learn fascinating facts about Wagner’s masterpiece from “walking archives”—experts on opera-related topics.

The May Festival for all children and families takes place on Saturday, May 2, with a family festival full of theatrical surprises, culminating in an enchanting evening musical procession of seven giant giraffes through downtown Wiesbaden.

The May Festival, which took place for the first time in 1896, has had an eventful history. It is considered the second-oldest festival in Germany after the Bayreuth Wagner Festival (since 1876). Its program at the time included opera, plays, concerts, and ballet, among other things. A constant feature has been special in-house productions for the festival’s opening. Until the start of World War I, the May Festival was entirely focused on representation, with an eye toward the Emperor—who frequently stayed in Wiesbaden—and an international audience. Wilhelm II saw nearly 100 theater performances during his stays in the city. Reviving the May Festival after World War II required a new approach and a high level of social and political commitment. The then-Mayor Hans Heinrich Redlhammer and the Treasurer Heinrich Roos found in General Director Heinrich Köhler-Helffrich an artistic director who, by inviting ensembles from all over the world, founded the “International Maifestspiele Wiesbaden.” Many opera ensembles made their celebrated postwar debut in Wiesbaden. 

My heartfelt thanks go to Artistic Directors Dorothea Hartmann and Beate Heine, as well as to all those involved both on and off stage. Together, they ensure a program of the highest artistic caliber and international diversity. I also extend my gratitude to the members of the International May Festival Supporters’ Association and the numerous sponsors, without whom this festival would not be possible.

I wish us all a wonderful and exciting festival month, and I hope all our audience members enjoy their stay in our city and experience many enchanting hours and unforgettable moments at the Staatstheater Wiesbaden. Enjoy the International May Festival!  

Sincerely

Gert-Uwe Mende
Lord Mayor