Lessing Days

From 31 January to 15 February 2026, the Thalia Theatre will become the lively centre of the Lessing Days festival. Under the direction of Matthias Lilienthal and with the theme of ‘post-populism’, the festival presents international productions, discussions and art events. A walk-in festival centre invites visitors to experience theatre in a completely different way: right in the middle of the action, right in the heart of Hamburg.

When Hamburg celebrates Lessing Days in February, the Thalia Theatre becomes the centre of an international, political and deeply human dialogue. In 2026, the festival will focus on the theme of ‘post-populism’ – with a special look at democratic developments in Poland. New voices, powerful images and controversial questions meet an audience that wants more than just entertainment: they want to think, experience and discuss.

A festival between living room concert and world politics

For the first time in 2026, there will be a festival centre at the Thalia Theatre – designed by Ari Benjamin Meyers' class (Düsseldorf Art Academy). This is where people live, work, cook and celebrate. Visitors become flatmates – at readings, concerts, flat parties and spontaneous encounters. Artistic highlights such as Marta Górnicka's choir performance ‘Mothers – A Song for Wartime’, the VR experience [EOL]. End of Life, and Milo Rau's theatrical investigation ‘The Trial of Germany’ provide powerful impulses. Particularly impressive: the multi-voiced examination of exile, re-democratisation and the future of Europe – between the stage, foyer and discussion room.

Did you know?

The accompanying symposium ‘Post-populism – Learning from Poland?’ delves deeper into the central questions of the festival over three days – with international guests, thought-provoking ideas and visionary concepts for a resilient democracy.