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Premiere in Hamburg: The City of Dreaming Books” delights the audience!
The premiere of “The City of Dreaming Books” at the Schauspielhaus Hamburg delights with fantasy, music and emotions.
Premiere in Hamburg: The City of Dreaming Books” delights the audience!
Last week was all about books and fantasy, as the Hamburger Schauspielhaus celebrated the premiere of Walter Moers’ “The City of Dreaming Books”. The fourth volume of the Zamonien novels, which was published in 2004, takes viewers on a fascinating journey through the fictional city of Buchhaim. Viktor Bodó's production created a true feast for the senses that delighted both fans of the novels and theater lovers.
The audience experienced a performance that scored with its creative imagery, imaginative costumes, expressive music and passionate dance. The detailed costumes are particularly impressive: stacks of books, clouds of hair and shimmering suits told stories through their appearance and aroused the amazement of visitors. The production conveys the message that books should remain important, but without placing an intrusive emphasis on morality. This certainly contributes to the audience's enthusiastic applause, which culminated in resounding applause after the premiere, as NDR reports.
A magical experience in Buchhaim
The story revolves around Hildegunst von Mythenmetz, a protagonist who, as a bookworm, searches for the mysterious author of a manuscript in Buchhaim. In this magical world, which is characterized by the raised wooden shelves of an old library, he meets a variety of fantastic characters - including the librarian Inazea Anazazi and the book hunter Rongkong Coma. The stage design, designed by Zita Schnábel, creates the perfect backdrop for the action. The Deutsche Bühne emphasizes that the production actively involves the viewer and is enriched by cinematic and grotesque elements inspired by the horror films of the 1920s.
The performance is supported by a magnificent ensemble accompanied by six dancers and five live musicians. Here you can feel the ensemble's joy in playing, which thrills and convinces the audience. The musical interludes and sound collages by Klaus von Heydenaber and Gábor Keresztes in particular contribute to the magical atmosphere.
A successful start to the 2025/2026 season
The premiere of “The City of Dreaming Books” is described not only as a festive event, but also as a fast-paced spectacle. Karin Beier and her team are presenting a program in this 2025/2026 season that promises an exciting expansion of Hamburg's theater landscape. The enthusiasm for theater and the passion for the world of books are brilliantly combined here.
A small highlight on the sidelines is the antagonist Phistomefel Smeik, a literary autocrat, who further enhances the special charm of the story. The audience seems particularly impressed by the lively portrayal of the characters - this is also reflected in the positive feedback the performance receives.
In summary, it can be said that the successful stage adaptation of Walter Moers' work not only delights the author's fans, but also takes newcomers into the fantastic world of Buchhaim. A visit to the Hamburger Schauspielhaus is definitely worth it to experience this extraordinary theatrical pleasure.