Street theater performances commence in Ludwigshafen, an international event taking place now
24th International Street Theater Festival Transforms Ludwigshafen with Artistic Flair
Ludwigshafen, Germany, is set to host the 24th International Street Theater Festival from July 25 to July 27, 2025. This three-day event promises a vibrant fusion of street theater, acrobatics, and lively performances, transforming the city center and the Rhine promenade into a large stage for artistic expression[1].
The festival venues include prominent locations such as Platz der Deutschen Einheit, Rheinschanzenpromenade, Berliner Platz, Bismarckstraße, and Karl-Kornmann-Platz, which serves as the festival center[1]. The opening event will take place at Karl-Kornmann-Platz on Friday, July 25, at 8 PM, featuring an anarchic crime parody by the Rumpel Pumpel Theater[1].
The theme for this year's festival is "Art under the open sky - boundlessly surprising," reflecting the festival's commitment to offering unexpected and captivating performances[1]. Highlights include acrobats suspended eight meters high, dancers on the Hochstraße, and playful interaction from performers like "lovelorn policemen" seeking hugs[1].
Admission to the festival is free, encouraging broad public participation within Ludwigshafen’s urban spaces[1]. The Hochstraße Süd, a new street, will host some of the interactive activities during the festival, which do not require any specific registration[1]. Visitors can also participate in various interactive activities designed for people of all ages, such as a hula hoop class on the Hochstraße Süd[1].
The Platz der Deutschen Einheit becomes the "Piazza Sonata" during the festival, while the Bismarckstraße turns into the "Freibad der Gefühle"[1]. Mira Waterkotte, Germany's only full-time jump rope artist, will perform at the "Jump & Flow" on the Berliner Platz[1].
The festival represents Ludwigshafen's diversity, as it is the only street festival in Germany with more female than male performers[1]. The mayor, Cornelia Reifenberg, views the international street theater festival as a symbol of peace[1].
In summary:
| Aspect | Details | |---------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Dates | July 25–27, 2025 | | Location | Ludwigshafen city center | | Venues | Platz der Deutsche Einheit, Rheinschanzenpromenade, Berliner Platz, Bismarckstraße, Karl-Kornmann-Platz (festival center) | | Theme | Art under the open sky - boundlessly surprising | | Opening Event | July 25, 8 PM — anarchic crime parody by Rumpel Pumpel Theater | | Participating Groups | 18 groups from 13 countries | | Admission | Free of charge | | Interactive Activities | Hula hoop class, Jump & Flow, various activities for all ages | | Registration | No registration required for interactive activities | | New Street Venue | Hochstraße Süd | | New Venue Names | Platz der Deutsche Einheit — Piazza Sonata, Bismarckstraße — Freibad der Gefühle | | Performers | Mira Waterkotte (jump rope artist) | | Festival Diversity | More female than male performers | | Festival Symbol | A symbol of peace |
- Despite the festivities centered around street theater and acrobatics, the vibrant 24th International Street Theater Festival in Ludwigshafen, Germany, also extends to home-and-garden spaces, with the Hochstraße Süd hosting interactive activities during the event.
- Beyond the transformative street performances, visitors can embrace a relaxing lifestyle amidst greenery by participating in a hula hoop class on the Hochstraße Süd, one of the festival's venues.