Everyman in the Courtyard of Alvensleben Barracks: Cottbus Experiences Great Music Theatre

Everyman in the Courtyard of Alvensleben Barracks: An Open-Air Musical about Wealth, Transience, and the Final Truth

With Everyman – A Musical about Learning to Die, the Cottbus State Theatre brings one of the great themes of German-language theatre history into immediate presence. The adaptation by Hugo von Hofmannsthal is re-examined in the version by Peter Lund and Wolfgang Böhmer as a music theatre: What remains of a person when possessions, status, and securities disintegrate? The premiere takes place on 2026-06-30 19:30:00 in the courtyard of Alvensleben Barracks. The play is designed as an open-air experience; the evening under the open sky gives the production a special theatrical atmosphere. ([m.staatstheater-cottbus.de](https://m.staatstheater-cottbus.de/de/programm/repertoire/artikel-jedermann.html))

A Classic that Touches the Soul

The material by Hofmannsthal is among the most frequently performed stage works in the German-speaking world, and therein lies its power: Every new production must measure itself against the question of how contemporary learning to die sounds today. The Cottbus version linguistically and musically brings the action into the present without losing its philosophical core. The result is an intense stage experience between morality, faith, love, and the radical experience of finiteness. ([m.staatstheater-cottbus.de](https://m.staatstheater-cottbus.de/de/programm/repertoire/artikel-jedermann.html))

Direction, Music, and Set Design as a Sensory Tension Field

House director Tomo Sugao leads the production as an open-air spectacle in the courtyard of Alvensleben Barracks. The musical direction is led by Johannes Zurl, with staging and costumes shaping the visual picture of the performance with a clear signature. Especially outside, the impact of lighting, acoustics, and play space unfolds in a special way: The open architecture of the barracks courtyard enhances the closeness to the audience and transforms every performance into an immediate audience reaction in the moment. ([m.staatstheater-cottbus.de](https://m.staatstheater-cottbus.de/de/programm/repertoire/artikel-jedermann.html))

Dramaturgy between Allegory and Present

At the center is a rich man who possesses everything yet comes up against the limits of his existence. Figures such as God, the Devil, and Good Deeds appear as allegories, while the beloved lays the most valuable thing on the scales: love. This clear dramaturgical line makes the production an evening that not only shines theatrically but also hits existentially. The Cottbus State Theatre maintains the season at a high artistic level with this production and combines music theatre, acting art, and moral drama into a concise evening. ([m.staatstheater-cottbus.de](https://m.staatstheater-cottbus.de/de/programm/repertoire/artikel-jedermann.html))

Open-Air Theatre with Comfort and Weather Preparedness

The courtyard of Alvensleben Barracks opens one hour before the performance begins. Food and drink are provided, and in case of adverse weather, a decision about the start will be made on-site; a weather-related interruption of up to 15 minutes is planned. Should a continuation not be possible, the State Theatre will refund the ticket price under certain conditions. The performance lasts about 2 hours and 10 minutes including a break. The venue is also accessible; there is a hearing loop and information for wheelchair use upon request. ([m.staatstheater-cottbus.de](https://m.staatstheater-cottbus.de/de/programm/repertoire/artikel-jedermann.html))

For those seeking intense music theatre in the open air, this evening offers power, dignity, and atmospheric depth. Everyman – A Musical about Learning to Die combines great literature, powerful music, and a compelling stage into a theatrical experience that resonates long after. Discover it live in Cottbus now. ([m.staatstheater-cottbus.de](https://m.staatstheater-cottbus.de/de/programm/repertoire/artikel-jedermann.html))

Official Channels of the Cottbus State Theatre:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staatstheatercottbus
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StaatstheaterCottbus
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StaatstheaterCottbus
• Website: https://www.staatstheater-cottbus.de/de.html

Sources:

• Cottbus State Theatre - Everyman – A Musical about Learning to Die
• Cottbus News - Everyman in the Courtyard of Alvensleben Barracks
• rbb24 Inforadio - Cultural Contribution to the Season Finale in Cottbus
• Theaterkompass - Cottbus State Theatre
• Dahme-Seenland - Event Page with Ticket Price