Mozart's opera becomes a cultural highlight in Neustrelitz in the kebab shop

Mozart's opera becomes a cultural highlight in Neustrelitz in the kebab shop

In Neustrelitz, the State Theater celebrated a remarkable premiere: Mozart's “The Abduction from the Seraglio” sees the light of day in a kebab shop. The music journalist and critic Axel Brüggemann is directing, making his first appearance on the theater stage. For him, the kebab snack bar is the perfect microcosm for the romantic complications that surround this musical comedy - and not without taking a critical look at current issues. This innovative production, which started on November 22, 2025 and runs until February 14, 2026, addresses, among other things, cultural appropriation and the relationships between cultures.

The kebab shop, equipped with clichéd interior design - from white monobloc chairs to bright ceiling lights and the rotating kebab skewer - forms the backdrop for the modernized plot. The director shifts the story into the present. The characters experience forced labor in the kebab shop, while Belmonte acts as a Lieferando driver and Selim appears as a German-Turkish gangster. This shift in perspective opens up new areas of interpretation and questions about cultural appropriation, especially with regard to the influence of Turkish culture on Viennese classicism, as discussed in the article NDR is to be read.

Cultural appropriation in focus

The concept of cultural appropriation, which addresses the adoption of cultural expressions by members of another culture, is taken up in an interesting way in this production. Loud Wikipedia This can have both positive and negative connotations, depending on the circumstances of the appropriation. Brüggemann uses this theme to illuminate the visible contradictions and positive aspects of the characters. There are no clear villains in this play, rather it represents different facets of humanity through each character.

Yeonjoo Katharina Jang shines in the role of Konstanze, while Patrick Khatami appears as Selim Bassa. The other main roles will be filled by experienced soloists – including tenor Lars Tappert as Belmonte – who are already known in other theater productions. This prominent line-up shows that even challenging roles are strengthened with talent and dedication.

A lively finale

Another highlight of this unique production is how the actors break the fourth wall and introduce fast food dishes into the finale. This combines classical opera with the modern way of life and reflects the everyday challenges that can also be found in the Strelitz kebab snack bar. The lightness and humor in the implementation ensure that the big questions of love and interpersonal relationships are not only viewed seriously, but also with a smile.

Finally, the State Theater's commitment to promoting culture should also be praised. The state would like to provide half a million euros for the German dance company in Neustrelitz in 2026. Michael Brüggemann, an important player in cultural policy, spoke about the plans for the new opera building in Hamburg. And this is exactly where a new era begins, which could not only shape the theater landscape, but also the cultural diversity in the region.

The performances take place in the Landestheater Neustrelitz, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Straße 14, 17235 Neustrelitz. For further performances, those interested can book tickets via the ticket telephone 03981 206400, like this Northern Courier reported.