- Sabine Eberts' midwife returns to perform on the rock stage in 2025
In 2025, Sabine Eberts' Sachsen-Saga character, Marthe, makes a comeback at the Felsenbühne Rathen. The production, titled "The Midwife's Trace," is based on the second book of her series and is one of three new shows scheduled for the year at this renowned natural theater in Saxon Switzerland. The season opener, as announced by Landesbühnen Sachsen, is set for May 16. The adaptation for the stage was handled by Odette Bereska, with "The Midwife's Secret" having been staged in 2018.
Additionally, "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Anatevka" will also grace the stage. In a fresh take, "Little Red Riding Hood" will journey through the rocks, a tale celebrating nature's love and the power of small things to make a big impact. Meanwhile, the musical "Anatevka," focusing on the Jewish milkman Tewje's quest to preserve traditional values in a changing world, will also be performed.
Other repertoire items such as "Shatterhand," "Der Freischütz," "Im Weißen Rössl," and "Das kalte Herz" will run until September 7 at the "Felsenbühne Festspiele" in Rathen, a title given to the summer seasons by Landesbühnen since they resumed performances at their open-air stage.
Lower attendance in 2024
From mid-May through the recent weekend, around 62,000 visitors flocked to the performances nestled in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, south of Dresden. However, this number was about 11,000 less than in 2023, due to weather-related cancellations and less than ideal vacation periods, a representative of Landesbühnen explained.
The stage, surrounded by the unique rock formations of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, is similar to other open-air theaters in Germany and offers seating for 1,800 people. Established in 1936, Landesbühnen Sachsen have been performing at the Felsenbühne since 1954.
Despite the varied repertoire including "Shatterhand," "Der Freischütz," "Im Weißen Rössl," and "Das kalte Herz," the 2024 season at the Felsenbühne saw lower attendance due to weather-related cancellations and unfavorable vacation periods. Other productions, such as "Shatterhand" and "Der Freischütz," will continue until September 7, providing opportunities for audiences to experience the magic of live theater at this unique venue.
