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Hamburg State Opera: The rioters enchanted with a Marthaler production!
Experience Christoph Marthaler's production of "The Unrest" at the Hamburg State Opera, which deals with Gustav Mahler's work.
Hamburg State Opera: The rioters enchanted with a Marthaler production!
On January 15, 2026, the Hamburg State Opera opened an exciting chapter in opera history with the premiere of “The Unrest” directed by Christoph Marthaler. The production, which will be performed in the Werkbühne of the State Opera, deals in a very personal way with the work of the important composer Gustav Mahler, who was first conductor of the Hamburg State Opera from 1891 to 1897. The performance lasts two hours and takes place without an intermission, providing viewers with a fluid and uninterrupted experience. Nachtkritik reports that the production not only takes up Mahler's musicality, but also integrates humorous elements, such as blood pressure measurements and unexpected acoustic noises.
Particular attention is paid to the interior design, which represents an interesting mix of waiting room, grand hotel and sanatorium. With tables, chairs and a variety of musical and performative interactions, a space is created that addresses the relationship between feeling and calculation. This approach revives the fleeting and familiar in art, which creates a deep connection to Mahler's music and his role as an opera conductor. The acoustic design, which keeps the sound at room volume, ensures that viewers can immerse themselves in an intimate atmosphere. As the Hamburgische Staatsoper emphasizes, this production will be part of a series about creative directors that will continue on the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the Hamburg State Opera in 2028.
Mahler in Hamburg
Gustav Mahler, who occupied a permanent place in the Hamburg City Theater not only as a composer but also as a conductor, had a lasting impact on the city and its stages. During the years he worked there, he directed numerous performances and worked at various theaters such as the Altonaer Theater and the Concerthaus Ludwig in St. Pauli. Two of his symphonies were also written during this productive period, including the famous Resurrection Symphony, which had its origins in a funeral service in Hamburg's Michel. Mahler was an integral part of cultural life in Hamburg and had a wide network of friends and colleagues with whom he maintained deep artistic relationships. Hamburg Tourism highlights that Mahler performed almost every other day during his time in Hamburg and conducted a repertoire of around 70 operas.
The discussion of Mahler is important because his music was defamed by the National Socialists in the 1930s as “degenerate music,” which led to his works being excluded from performances. Christoph Marthaler's production of “The Troubles” aims to shed light on the contemporary relevance of Mahler's music and his reform ideas in opera practice. The impressive concept is intended to encourage the audience to think about the connection between personal feelings and collective experiences in art and to follow the traces that this important musician left in Hamburg.
The production “The Troubles” not only offers a deep insight into Mahler's world, but also takes a step into the future by taking up the themes of inwardness and metaphysics that were always present in Mahler's works. The Hamburg State Opera therefore remains a lively place to engage with the cultural heritage that has grown and continues to grow over the years.