Mephisto premiere in Dresden: theater weapon against fascism!

Mephisto premiere in Dresden: theater weapon against fascism!

On September 6, 2025, the Dresden State Theater celebrated a magnificent premiere of Klaus Mann's famous novel “Mephistopheles”. The production, directed by Nicolai Sykosch, brings to the stage the complex story of Hendrik Höfgen, a talented actor of the 1920s. In the midst of the rise of National Socialism, Höfgen is faced with a choice: his ideals or success.

The plot follows this ambitious character, who is impressively embodied by Nadja Stübiger. Höfgen starts out as a convinced leftist and revolutionary theater maker, but relocates his career to Berlin and submits to the realities of the political climate. This is where his moral decline begins as he trades his beliefs for the glare of fame. The influence of the National Socialists on culture becomes tangible through Höfgen's development in the performance. This also reflects the dramatic reality that many artists found themselves in during this time.

A piece full of visual power

The stage design, designed by Stephan Prattes, is a real wink. Spotlights, chairs and open conversions create a dynamic and changing backdrop that creates a riot with an impressive pyre of chairs. This not only supports the theme of the piece, but also reinforces the constant tensions between the characters. In a canteen scene, for example, where home-cooked eggs are served, there is a heated argument between the characters, which symbolizes the worsening political situation.

Particularly striking is the performance of Marin Blülle, who plays the ambivalent portrait of an ex-Nazi and thus illustrates the conflict of the characters. In addition to the intense character portrayal, the relationship between Höfgen and his affair Julien is also discussed. Stübiger as Höfgen shows a self-confident interpretation that makes the actor's inner conflict palpable.

A candid look at the past

Klaus Mann's novel "Mephisto", published in 1936, is a work that sheds light on the opportunists of the Third Reich. Inspired by Gustaf Gründgens, a real actor, Höfgen is portrayed as a walking example of the fine line between art and power. Gründgens, who was a friend of Mann's, found rapid advancement during the Nazi era, while at the same time putting himself at risk of losing his humanity. Mann himself, son of the famous author Thomas Mann, was an activist and critical thinker throughout his life who questioned the horrors of Nazi rule.

The production is not only a look back at a dark time, but also raises important questions about the responsibility of artists in difficult political situations. The piece remains politically relevant throughout and stimulates reflection on ethics and morality in art, which is also important in the current social context.

With a total of three hours including an intermission, the performance offers the audience plenty of opportunity for reflection. The ten-member ensemble impresses both in terms of acting and music. The combination of historical costumes and current themes makes the performance appealing to a wide audience.

Due to the strong visual and emotional elements, the evening will be an experience that will be remembered for a long time. Just the way in which Höfgen's career is told on stage shows how far you are willing to go for success - and what values ​​you sacrifice for it.

The performance of “Mephisto” at the Staatsschauspiel Dresden promises to be a captivating and thoughtful experience for many, and is a real theater highlight this season. Night review, German wave.