Theatre, Dialogue and Global Perspectives
The Lessingtage theatre festival takes place annually at Hamburg’s Thalia Theater and is named after the 18th-century writer and thinker Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. Since its founding in 2010, the festival has established itself as a major platform for national and international theatre productions that engage with urgent social, political and philosophical questions. At its core lies a theme central to Lessing’s work: how understanding between cultures, religions and societies can be fostered.
International Productions and New Formats
The festival presents a diverse programme of international guest performances, new productions and encounter-based formats. Renowned directors, theatre-makers and ensembles from across Europe and beyond bring contemporary perspectives to the Hamburg stage, often addressing current political developments and cultural tensions. Recurring thematic focal points provide a conceptual framework that connects the individual productions and discussions.
Language and Accessibility
Due to its international orientation, many performances are presented in languages other than German or include surtitles. This makes the Lessingtage accessible to an international audience and reflects the festival’s commitment to cross-cultural exchange. Visitors are encouraged to consult the programme in advance to find performances best suited to their language preferences.
For details on the current edition, participating artists and performance dates, please refer to the official Lessingtage programme.
Dates
31 January - 15 February 2026
Location
Thalia Theater
Alstertor 1
20095 Hamburg
Thalia in der Gaußstraße
Gaußstraße 190
22765 Hamburg
