Sommertheater: Faust

What is undoubtedly the most famous play in the German language is being adapted into a grand open-air musical on the Kiel Fjord. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s *Faust* is the summer theater production kicking off the season: Faust feels alienated. Believing his genius to be misunderstood, he wants to rise above the society around him in every respect, to transcend all boundaries. To fulfill all his desires, he is willing to make a pact with the devil: Mephisto himself appears, initially in the form of a dog, but soon in a very human guise, and uses every means at his disposal to claim Faust’s soul. Yet nothing satisfies the eternal seeker—until he meets Gretchen—who ultimately becomes the tragic victim of the descent into hell.

We present a modern interpretation of the famous story, set against the backdrop of a theocratic police state. Leo Schmidthals and Christian Neander, members of the legendary indie rock band Selig, have composed the music exclusively for Theater Kiel—ranging from great rock songs to poignant ballads—and will perform it live as part of the band during the performances.