"Winnetou II" - Love triumphs in "Winnetou II - Ribanna and Old Firehand"
With the adventure "Winnetou II - Ribanna and Old Firehand," the Karl May Games in Bad Segeberg began their 71st season on a Saturday. The acting team led by Alexander Klaws as Winnetou and Jan Hartmann as Old Firehand put on a fierce spectacle at the premiere, filled with action, love, betrayal, and heroism.
"Winnetou II - Ribanna and Old Firehand" is the only piece by Karl May where Winnetou is allowed to fall in love. However, his love for Ribanna (Sila Sahin) presents him with the most challenging inner struggle of his life. He must let go of the beautiful young chief's daughter, who has fallen in love with his old friend Old Firehand. In a touching conversation with his dead father Intschu-tschuna (Joshy Peters), Winnetou realizes that every person must find their own way and that it is right to deviate from past decisions when the circumstances require it.
The audience in the open-air theater can enjoy witty contemporary references from the author Michael Stamp, which lighten the Karl May material. There are musical and textual references, for example, to "The Rosary-Red Panther" and Louis de Funès. Highlights include the musical performances of the ominous gangster Emery Forster (Nick Wilder), who has taken control of the city New Venango in his personal gold rush and wants to steal the land from the Assiniboins through deceit, violence, and intrigue. A goosebumps moment when Wilder, known to many viewers as the doctor Sander from the ZDF dream ship, justifies his diabolical deeds with mournful harmonica tones from "Play me the song of death."
Despite the competition in the struggle for Ribanna's love, Winnetou and Old Firehand stand together when it comes to defeating the evil. After many twists and highest life-threatening danger first for the Westman, then for Ribanna, the play ends as one expects from Karl May. Evil cannot withstand the good. However, the play still offers a surprising turn: One does not turn out to be the villain he seems.
The scenery is familiar to the audience this year, as the chalk hill provides a stable framework, but it is spectacularly new. Above all, Old Firehand's high in the cliffs built block hut and a soldiers' fort offer space for large performances. Dozens of extras create complex actions and large images in the interaction with the acting professionals during fights, ceremonies, or feasts.
Ribanna, the only significant female role in the play, shows unexpected strength. She wants to obey her father's wishes but also decides for herself about her love. Sahin plays Ribanna as an emancipated, brave, and honest woman. In the end, it is simple messages that delight the audience. For example, when Winnetou says: "A day without love is a lost day." Against the background of violence and impending injustice, the Karl May plays also appeal for tolerance, diversity, peace, and humanity in this year.
Until September 8, under the direction of Nicolas König, who also plays the leading villain Parranoh, there will be 72 performances. In the previous year, more than 430,000 spectators came to the open-air theater at the chalk hill in Bad Segeberg.
Nick Wilder delivers a chilling performance as Emery Forster, bringing a new dimension to the villainous character. His melodious harmonica tunes from "Play me the song of death" add an emotional depth to his sinister actions.
Germany's Theater enthusiasts have Nick Wilder, known for his role as Dr. Sander on ZDF's dream ship, to thank for adding a fresh twist to the Karl May Festival in Bad Segeberg this year.
Sila Sahin portrays Ribanna as a strong and emancipated character, showing that even in the 19th century, women can make their own decisions about love. Her performances during the Karl May Festival in Bad Segeberg are a must-see.
Before the Karl May Games in Bad Segeberg began, Nick Wilder spent his leisure time exploring the beautiful city of Schleswig-Holstein and its surroundings.
Alexander Klaw and Jan Hartmann reunite on stage for the 71st season of the Karl May Games in Bad Segeberg, showcasing their outstanding acting skills and chemistry in "Winnetou II - Ribanna and Old Firehand."
Fans of the Karl May Festival in Bad Segeberg were thrilled to witness the highly anticipated return of Sila Sahin as Ribanna, after her last appearance in 2019's "Winnetou."
