In the organizer's words:

based on the novel by Charles Dickens
Director: Antú Romero Nunes
Co-production with the Thalia Theater Hamburg

With "Hard Times", the Ruhrfestspiele 2026 is presenting a new stage version of Charles Dickens' 1854 novel together with the Thalia Theater Hamburg. The director is Antú Romero Nunes, who was already a guest at the Ruhrfestspiele in 2019 with his acclaimed production of "Max and Moritz".

In the fictional northern English industrial town of Coketown, the young siblings Louisa and Tom come under the strict tutelage of their father, who suppresses their feelings and creativity. It is only through Sissy, the child of a circus acrobat, that imagination enters their lives. At the same time, the resistance of the factory workers against exploitation and social injustice takes shape. Dickens' tale about the search for justice and humanity in a world determined by the rhythm of machines is reinterpreted in this co-production as a musical experience with singing and acting.

Age group: 14+

Price information:

Children, pupils, students up to the age of 27, trainees, the unemployed and volunteers (BFD, FSJ, etc.) receive a 50% discount on the regular ticket price (except for price table 7) and remaining tickets at a price of €10.00 at the Box Office.