Zurich Schauspielhaus Announces 2026/27 Season: A Year of Ghosts and Classics

The Schauspielhaus Zürich is embarking on its 2026/27 season with a bold statement, opening with Bertolt Brecht's "The Threepenny Opera." This choice not only signifies the theater's centenary but also signals a deliberate return to foundational works, aiming to resonate more deeply with the public. The artistic direction under Pınar Karabulut and Rafael Sanchez appears to be charting a course towards a more accessible and popular programming strategy, a move that suggests a keen awareness of audience engagement and the need to balance artistic ambition with broad appeal.

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So mark one celebrates a юбилей year: 1926 the operation of a modern speaking theater was started at the Pfauen.

The season's lineup, featuring a blend of beloved classics like Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap" and family-friendly spectacles such as "The Wizard of Oz," indicates a desire to connect with a wider demographic. This approach, while perhaps more traditional, is a pragmatic response to the artistic and financial realities of running a major theater. The inclusion of "The Mousetrap," a suggestion from a loyal subscriber, highlights a commitment to listening to the audience and incorporating their preferences into programming decisions. It's a smart move that promises to fill seats while still offering quality entertainment.

Furthermore, the season's thematic focus on "spooks and magic" promises a captivating experience for theatergoers. From "The Wizard of Oz" to E.T.A. Hoffmann's "The Sandman," the Schauspielhaus is weaving a narrative thread that explores the uncanny and the fantastical. This curated journey through spectral tales and enchanted realms is designed to transport audiences, offering an escape and a sense of wonder. The artistic team's intention to interrogate the relevance of the classical canon for contemporary times suggests that these familiar stories will be presented with fresh perspectives, ensuring that the season is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

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The audience-effective crime novel was included in the program on the recommendation of a Schauspielhaus subscriber.

From our vantage point at the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, this strategic programming reflects a thoughtful evolution for the Schauspielhaus. While some might view the embrace of more popular works as a departure from avant-garde experimentation, we see it as a necessary adaptation to ensure the theater's continued vitality and relevance. The Zurich public deserves a Schauspielhaus that not only challenges but also delights, and this upcoming season appears poised to achieve just that. It's a testament to the enduring power of theater to reflect and shape our understanding of the world, past and present.

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Spooks and magic shaped the coming season.