Premiere in Esslingen: Catja Baumann brings Kaurismäki drama to the stage!

Premiere in Esslingen: Catja Baumann brings Kaurismäki drama to the stage!

Directed by Catja Baumann, the production “I Hired a Contract Killer” will premiere on January 16, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in the Esslinger Landesbühne theater. Baumann, who comes from Stuttgart, has made a name for herself in the theater landscape and brings an exciting mix of tragedy and comedy to the stage. Her fondness for the films of Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki is reflected in her latest work, which is based on one of his works. Stuttgarter Nachrichten reports that Kaurismäki's films often reflect the fates of people on the fringes of society - an aspect that also really appeals to Baumann.

The native of Tübingen not only brought her experience from studying theater and media studies, history and pedagogy in Erlangen, but also her directing studies at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. Through her previous productions, such as the theater soap “Friedrichstraße” and the theater novella “Praxis Löwentorbogen”, she has proven that she has a good knack for captivating the audience and getting them excited about the theater. Baumann is known for her integrative approach, which motivates the team and provides space for fresh ideas. Esslinger Zeitung emphasizes that her work includes both comedies and new drama and, above all are located in the present.

Insights into the production

“I Hired a Contract Killer” tells the moving story of Marcel Marx, a former author who lives happily as a shoeshine boy in Le Havre until fate takes him to the limits of tragedy and comedy. In the film, Marcel fights for the underage refugee Idrissa, who is in a hopeless situation. Kaurismäki, who also wrote and directed the film, vividly tells of the challenge of fighting against society's indifference. The connection between Baumann's production and Kaurismäki's style could not be more apt, as they deal with similar social themes. On stage, the audience expects emotional depth combined with humor, which has also been particularly appreciated in Baumann's previous works. Kaurismäki always shows the small, poetic struggles of everyday life in his films.

The premiere is not only a highlight, but also the start of further performances on January 22nd and 24th and February 6th, 2026. Viewers can look forward to an unforgettable theater experience, which will certainly become a special event thanks to Baumann's talented production. The mix of humorous and melancholic moments will certainly captivate the audience and make them think.

Ultimately, one can say that with “I Hired a Contract Killer” Baumann is once again bringing an exciting project to the stage that makes you laugh as well as think. She and her team are well positioned to present this unique piece and touch the audience.