Technical Excursion to the Interim Venue of Staatstheater Kassel

On October 31, Giuseppe Verdi's „Aida“ premiered at the new INTERIM of the Staatstheater Kassel – thereby inaugurating a temporary venue designated for at least six years.
One week later, we had the opportunity to meet the team led by Artistic Director Florian Lutz on site.

From the outside, the modular building in the south of Kassel resembles a simple production hall. However, upon entering, an unexpectedly fascinating space unfolds: a modular theater that impresses with its creativity, flexibility, and boldness. The centerpiece is a four-story audience gallery constructed from scaffolding, which is far more than just seating – it becomes part of the staging itself. The stage areas are variable, complemented by an overhead machinery system with 28 hoists, a heavy-duty turntable, and a coverable orchestra pit. The 25 by 50 meter hall can accommodate up to 850 people; it can be utilized as an immersive arena, a classic proscenium stage, a spatial stage, or in a longitudinally oriented stage format. Furthermore, due to its consistent multifunctionality and modular construction, the entire building can be completely dismantled, reassembled at another location, or further developed as needed.

And what makes the INTERIM so artistically unique?

In non-frontal stage designs, the traditional separation between the stage and the audience can be eliminated. Everything is modular, everything is in motion: The stage can be arranged differently for every production; the audience sits in front of it, behind it—or even on the stage itself. Democratic, participatory, and as accessible as possible. Seats on the stage can be booked through the “Adventure Subscription.” They promise a theater of experience, with the excitement of a premiere and a spirit of adventure—and demand is high!

In addition to these inspiring impressions, we particularly note this message:
The Staatstheater Kassel and Stuttgart have very different requirements.
And in discussions with the artistic directorate, it was emphasized: Stuttgart enjoys enormous prestige and renown in the theater industry. Stuttgart is a constant benchmark for the German opera world. Everyone looks to Stuttgart.
This appreciation is both an incentive and a responsibility.