Kataklysm - Freedom or Death Tour 2026

Special Guests: Vader + Blood Red Throne

Doors: 6:30 PM

Daniela Dröscher became known with her autofictional novel Lügen über meine Mutter, in which she described how her mother experienced humiliation due to her body size, with significant effects on the daughter Ela. Ela is now an adult and struggles with her own body. Or against it? Just before her promotion, it rebels: neck, heart, skin, everything is in revolt. While Ela simultaneously wonders if she actually deserves her place in the academic world.
But it’s not just about Ela. Dröscher dissects, highly politically: What is considered healthy, what is considered sick? What space is granted to the female body, what power structures exist in medicine – particularly towards women?
A coming-of-age novel and a story of empowerment – and repeatedly irresistibly funny.

Daniela Dröscher made her debut with the novel double biography Die Lichter des George Psalmanazar (2009). This was followed by further novels, a collection of short stories, and a memoir as well as plays that were performed at the Schauspielhaus Bochum, among others. Lügen über meine Mutter (2024) has been adapted into a film and will be released in theaters in 2026.

KRYSTIAN MARTINEK
JE BESSER ICH DICH KENNE
After many years of marriage, Jessica has had enough.
Over the last few years, she and her husband Peter lived practically bored alongside each other. To prevent this from continuing until the end of their lives, she has filed for divorce against Peter's will. Her best friend Sandra will handle all the formalities for her as a lawyer.
Jessica has already moved into a chic, modern apartment. She lives there with her new partner Nic, who manages to meet Jessica's needs with remarkable ease and protects her from all dangers. The fact that he is also attractive, fit, and younger than Peter completes the perfect overall impression and hits Peter hard. Meanwhile, Sandra is greatly impressed by Nic and longs for a partner like him.
When Peter encounters his successor before the divorce date, he quickly realizes that the perfect Nic is superior to him in every way. Annoyed and offended, he initially accepts defeat. But he doesn’t give up. Instead, he returns and experiences an unsettling surprise.
The comedy poses the question of how desirable a perfect relationship really is and what consequences it may have when one finds the perfect partner. With plenty of humor and serious lightness, the play shows where it can lead when one tries to perfect love and life.

Doors open 30 minutes before the performance begins.

KÖRPERWELTEN – Anatomy of Happiness

The body as a place of happiness
Great love, a carefree life, true friendship... we all strive for happiness. But have you ever wondered how happiness actually arises? Why it is so important for our lives and why we can’t get enough of it? Or why we can’t permanently preserve happiness?

Like every action, perception, or sensation, the feeling of happiness is also a result of certain processes in our body. In the Heidelberg KÖRPERWELTEN Museum, you can discover what exactly lies beneath your skin with real anatomical specimens and which structures are involved in the emergence of the feeling of happiness. In doing so, you will learn a lot of interesting things about your organ functions and about health in general. And you will be surprised at how versatile positive or negative emotions affect the entire body. Because everything we experience, feel, and do or don’t do with our body ultimately has an impact on it sooner or later.

An exhibition that will change your perspective on yourself.

Last entry: 5:00 PM

The songs of Daylight Music taste like sunshine, dance, and good vibes: Power-pop meets the fiery rhythms of South America - with irresistible funk and soul grooves as a foundation. The band merges different musical influences into a sound that is sometimes relaxed, sometimes energetic, and instantly catchy. The musicians come from various countries and generations and they live in the Rhein-Main area, where the band was founded in 2020.

With the 2021 released album Aim High and the EP Collecting Seashells, the band led by singer Caro Kraska and singer-songwriter Wolfgang Dürr has impressively substantiated their professional aspirations. Live, Daylight Music celebrates a musical fiesta together with the audience. With their own songs and some classics that they reinterpret in the Daylight Music style.

Doors: 18:45 Uhr

From the rich, one can learn to save, as the new production of the theater group "Die Aussenspiegel" reveals. In Molière's "Der Geizige," everything revolves around the wealthy Harpagon, who loves his money more than anything else – even more than his own children. While son Cléante and daughter Élise still dream of marrying for love, Harpagon plans the cheapest and most profitable marriages for everyone. Feelings? A minor detail! To reconcile stinginess, money, and feelings, lies, tricks, and haggling are employed.

With sharp wit and pointed dialogues, the play exposes human weaknesses and criticizes a society where money takes precedence over feelings. "Der Geizige" thus remains a timeless comedy about power, possession, and the ridiculousness of insatiable greed.

Die Aussenspiegel are a member of the Freien Theaterverein Heidelberg e.V.

Doors open at 7:30 PM.

What is happening in the USA? Where does the poison in the political system come from? How did the white heat become the political operating temperature? Donald Trump and his MAGA movement have roots that stretch far back into the "American Century." Bernd Greiner uncovers them this evening and tells a different story of the USA over the last hundred years: the story of internal conflicts, a uncompromising extremism of the center, and self-proclaimed guardians of democracy who limit democratic participation. His perspective extends far beyond individual presidents – and shows why Trump is merely a symptom.

Bernd Greiner is the founding director and associate of the Berlin College Cold War / Berlin Center for Cold War Studies. He taught Extra-European History at the University of Hamburg and led the research area Theory and History of Violence at the Hamburg Institute for Social Research until 2014. His latest book, Weißglut. Die inneren Kriege der USA. Eine Geschichte von 1900 bis heute, was published in 2025.

In the series Schlaglicht USA

KRYSTIAN MARTINEK
JE BESSER ICH DICH KENNE
After many years of marriage, Jessica has had enough.
Over the last few years, she and her husband Peter lived practically bored alongside each other. To prevent this from continuing until the end of their lives, she has filed for divorce against Peter's will. Her best friend Sandra will handle all the formalities for her as a lawyer.
Jessica has already moved into a chic, modern apartment. She lives there with her new partner Nic, who manages to meet Jessica's needs with remarkable ease and protects her from all dangers. The fact that he is also attractive, fit, and younger than Peter completes the perfect overall impression and hits Peter hard. Meanwhile, Sandra is greatly impressed by Nic and longs for a partner like him.
When Peter encounters his successor before the divorce date, he quickly realizes that the perfect Nic is superior to him in every way. Annoyed and offended, he initially accepts defeat. But he doesn’t give up. Instead, he returns and experiences an unsettling surprise.
The comedy poses the question of how desirable a perfect relationship really is and what consequences it may have when one finds the perfect partner. With plenty of humor and serious lightness, the play shows where it can lead when one tries to perfect love and life.

Doors open 30 minutes before the performance begins.

KÖRPERWELTEN – Anatomy of Happiness

The body as a place of happiness
Great love, a carefree life, true friendship... we all strive for happiness. But have you ever wondered how happiness actually arises? Why it is so important for our lives and why we can’t get enough of it? Or why we can’t permanently preserve happiness?

Like every action, perception, or sensation, the feeling of happiness is also a result of certain processes in our body. In the Heidelberg KÖRPERWELTEN Museum, you can discover what exactly lies beneath your skin with real anatomical specimens and which structures are involved in the emergence of the feeling of happiness. In doing so, you will learn a lot of interesting things about your organ functions and about health in general. And you will be surprised at how versatile positive or negative emotions affect the entire body. Because everything we experience, feel, and do or don’t do with our body ultimately has an impact on it sooner or later.

An exhibition that will change your perspective on yourself.

Last entry: 5:00 PM

From the rich, one can learn to save, as the new production of the theater group "Die Aussenspiegel" reveals. In Molière's "Der Geizige," everything revolves around the wealthy Harpagon, who loves his money more than anything else – even more than his own children. While son Cléante and daughter Élise still dream of marrying for love, Harpagon plans the cheapest and most profitable marriages for everyone. Feelings? A minor detail! To reconcile stinginess, money, and feelings, lies, tricks, and haggling are employed.

With sharp wit and pointed dialogues, the play exposes human weaknesses and criticizes a society where money takes precedence over feelings. "Der Geizige" thus remains a timeless comedy about power, possession, and the ridiculousness of insatiable greed.

Die Aussenspiegel are a member of the Freien Theaterverein Heidelberg e.V.

Doors open at 7:30 PM.

KÖRPERWELTEN – Anatomy of Happiness

The body as a place of happiness
Great love, a carefree life, true friendship... we all strive for happiness. But have you ever wondered how happiness actually arises? Why it is so important for our lives and why we can’t get enough of it? Or why we can’t permanently preserve happiness?

Like every action, perception, or sensation, the feeling of happiness is also a result of certain processes in our body. In the Heidelberg KÖRPERWELTEN Museum, you can discover what exactly lies beneath your skin with real anatomical specimens and which structures are involved in the emergence of the feeling of happiness. In doing so, you will learn a lot of interesting things about your organ functions and about health in general. And you will be surprised at how versatile positive or negative emotions affect the entire body. Because everything we experience, feel, and do or don’t do with our body ultimately has an impact on it sooner or later.

An exhibition that will change your perspective on yourself.

Last entry: 5:00 PM

When Germans search for the special and exotic, they travel to distant countries. Yet they only need to look over the fence, just around the corner, and they would make the most incredible discoveries. For right in the middle of Germany, one can find countless paradises, join in strange dances, or witness a coronation. It is astounding what secret world comes to light when approached with such loving patience and friendly curiosity as Wladimir Kaminer does. And because he also has a special sense of humor, he observes just as much that is entertaining as it is astonishing. His stories about the secret life of the Germans open the eyes to entirely unknown sides of the country and its people.

Wladimir Kaminer was born in 1967 in Moscow. He trained as a sound engineer for theater and radio and subsequently studied dramaturgy at the Moscow Theater Institute. He has lived in Berlin since 1990. He regularly publishes texts in various newspapers and magazines and organizes events such as his now internationally famous "Russendisko." With his eponymous collection of stories as well as numerous other books, he has become one of the most popular and sought-after authors in Germany. Wladimir Kaminer's latest book "The Secret Life of Germans" was released on August 27, 2025.

Entrance Foyer: 19:00

No tickets available here

No other creature represents the connection to nature of the Finns as much as the bear. It is excellent in many ways to approach the country at the easternmost edge of the EU. Thus, the national animal of Finland weaves through this live report like a common thread. The audience can look forward to Finnish natural beauties, small stories, and large predators.

Ruth and Jürgen Haberhauer present in their multi-visual report the extraordinary culture and living environment of Finland and its deep connection to nature, hospitality, and openness. During their travels, they got to know the Finns as a quirky people who continually surprise with crazy ideas and their own brand of humor – such as their fondness for quirky competitions like the air guitar world championships. These ingredients for a satisfied life are what have consistently earned Finland a top place in the World Happiness Report for years. It is not always about "higher, faster, further" – it is the little things that are greatly appreciated.

A joint event of the WunderWelten Festival with Augustinum Heidelberg

Doors open at 3:00 PM.

One can learn to save from the rich, as the new production of the theater group "Die Aussenspiegel" illustrates. In Molière's "Der Geizige," everything revolves around the wealthy Harpagon, who loves his money more than anything else — even more than his own children. While son Cléante and daughter Élise still dream of marrying for love, Harpagon plans the cheapest and most profitable marriages for everyone. Feelings? Secondary! To reconcile stinginess, money, and feelings, lies, tricks, and haggling ensue.

With sharp wit and pointed dialogues, the play exposes human weaknesses and criticizes a society in which money is prioritized over feelings. "Der Geizige" thus remains a timeless comedy about power, possession, and the ridiculousness of excessive greed.

Die Aussenspiegel are a member of the Freier Theaterverein Heidelberg e.V.

Doors open at 16:30.

KRYSTIAN MARTINEK
JE BESSER ICH DICH KENNE
After many years of marriage, Jessica has had enough.
Over the last few years, she and her husband Peter lived practically bored alongside each other. To prevent this from continuing until the end of their lives, she has filed for divorce against Peter's will. Her best friend Sandra will handle all the formalities for her as a lawyer.
Jessica has already moved into a chic, modern apartment. She lives there with her new partner Nic, who manages to meet Jessica's needs with remarkable ease and protects her from all dangers. The fact that he is also attractive, fit, and younger than Peter completes the perfect overall impression and hits Peter hard. Meanwhile, Sandra is greatly impressed by Nic and longs for a partner like him.
When Peter encounters his successor before the divorce date, he quickly realizes that the perfect Nic is superior to him in every way. Annoyed and offended, he initially accepts defeat. But he doesn’t give up. Instead, he returns and experiences an unsettling surprise.
The comedy poses the question of how desirable a perfect relationship really is and what consequences it may have when one finds the perfect partner. With plenty of humor and serious lightness, the play shows where it can lead when one tries to perfect love and life.

Doors open 30 minutes before the performance begins.

KÖRPERWELTEN – Anatomy of Happiness

The body as a place of happiness
Great love, a carefree life, true friendship... we all strive for happiness. But have you ever wondered how happiness actually arises? Why it is so important for our lives and why we can’t get enough of it? Or why we can’t permanently preserve happiness?

Like every action, perception, or sensation, the feeling of happiness is also a result of certain processes in our body. In the Heidelberg KÖRPERWELTEN Museum, you can discover what exactly lies beneath your skin with real anatomical specimens and which structures are involved in the emergence of the feeling of happiness. In doing so, you will learn a lot of interesting things about your organ functions and about health in general. And you will be surprised at how versatile positive or negative emotions affect the entire body. Because everything we experience, feel, and do or don’t do with our body ultimately has an impact on it sooner or later.

An exhibition that will change your perspective on yourself.

Last entry: 5:00 PM

Why is an emotional bond so important for the psychological development of children – and what does it have to do with openness to the world and empathy? Psychologist Claus Koch demonstrates how early bonding experiences lay the foundation for self-confidence and the ability to appreciate, and how they create resistance against xenophobia and conspiracy theories. In conversation, Koch and Andresen illuminate the significance of early childhood bonding experiences and provide insights on how parents and educators can strengthen children's emotional security.

Dr. Claus Koch is a licensed psychologist, author, and publicist, as well as a co-founder of the Educational Institute Berlin. His focus is on the research of attachment.

Prof. Dr. Sabine Andresen is an educator with a focus on childhood and youth research and teaches at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main. She is the president of the Child Protection Association.

In cooperation with the Heidelberg New School of Life gGmbH

In the series Roots & Wings

With her bestseller "Beklaute Frauen," historian and author Leonie Schöler has brought the invisible heroines of history into the spotlight – in 2026, she takes it a step further. With the release of the paperback edition, she brings their stories to where they belong: right into life, onto the stage. Under the title "Beklaute Frauen – Die Show," she will tour Germany in March 2026: Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin, Leipzig, Heidelberg, Munich, and Stuttgart.

Instead of a classic reading, the audience can expect a multimedia evening that makes history tangible. In each city, Leonie Schöler will introduce a new, previously little-known woman whose biography is closely connected to the region. Like a live research project, she unfolds their stories on stage: with excerpts from the book, original photos, archival material, TV interviews, and videos. This creates an evening where the audience not only listens but feels like they are directly participating in the search for traces in the past.

A special highlight: Each city will feature special guests who will round off the evening with live music, exciting panels, or show acts. This makes each evening unique. However, the show always poses the same question: What happens when we bring women from history back – and how does that change our present? "Beklaute Frauen – Die Show" is a blend of reading, documentary, concert, and talk that brings feminist historiography to the big stage. An evening for everyone interested in seeing history anew – and celebrating the women who finally deserve the spotlight.

Doors open at 7:00 PM.

KÖRPERWELTEN – Anatomy of Happiness

The body as a place of happiness
Great love, a carefree life, true friendship... we all strive for happiness. But have you ever wondered how happiness actually arises? Why it is so important for our lives and why we can’t get enough of it? Or why we can’t permanently preserve happiness?

Like every action, perception, or sensation, the feeling of happiness is also a result of certain processes in our body. In the Heidelberg KÖRPERWELTEN Museum, you can discover what exactly lies beneath your skin with real anatomical specimens and which structures are involved in the emergence of the feeling of happiness. In doing so, you will learn a lot of interesting things about your organ functions and about health in general. And you will be surprised at how versatile positive or negative emotions affect the entire body. Because everything we experience, feel, and do or don’t do with our body ultimately has an impact on it sooner or later.

An exhibition that will change your perspective on yourself.

Last entry: 5:00 PM

Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces significant challenges. While Trump and Putin are dismantling the old world order, the AfD threatens to destabilize the political center in Germany. The Chancellor wants to govern quite differently from the ousted traffic light coalition. Yet the challenges remain the same: economic crisis, climate change, migration, and rearmament of the Bundeswehr. Is Merz up to the task? And what must he learn from the disaster of the traffic light coalition to seize perhaps the last chance to preserve our democracy from the final rise of populists? Alexander tells the story behind the scenes: from Merz's taboo-breaking with the AfD and secret talks with Olaf Scholz to the drama surrounding the trillion-debt package.

Robin Alexander is one of the leading journalists in political Berlin. He was an editor at taz and a reporter at Vanity Fair. In 2013, he was awarded the prestigious Theodor-Wolff-Prize. His book Letzte Chance (2025) is a SPIEGEL bestseller. Since 2019, he has been the deputy editor-in-chief of Welt.

In the series And now?

Advance sales closed; tickets available at the box office