David Jakobs as Franz: Schiller's The Robbers” in Bad Hersfeld!

David Jakobs as Franz: Schiller's The Robbers” in Bad Hersfeld!

The anticipation for the Bad Hersfeld Festival is growing, because on June 27, 2025 the curtain will finally rise on the contemporary production of Friedrich Schiller's “The Robbers”. Directed by Gil Mehmert, the dramatic work, which once caused a scandal in 1782, is presented in the impressive Bad Hersfeld monastery ruins. The premiere begins at 9 p.m. and promises an unforgettable evening that will delight theater lovers and newcomers alike.

David Jakobs, 41 years old and known for his versatility on stage, takes on the role of Franz von Moor. The sculptor's younger brother doesn't have it easy: he is socially disadvantaged and has to deal with a bitter power struggle with his older brother Karl. Jakobs, who started his career at the tender age of twelve in the musical “Les Misérables”, describes his role as deeply human and broken. “Franz is looking for love and recognition, but his inner struggles often make him seem lost,” he explains. In the production, Schiller's story is fueled with modern sounds, as the music of the punk rock band Die Toten Hosen is powerfully integrated to illuminate the rebellious themes of power and freedom in a new way.

The production and its location

The Bad Hersfeld monastery ruins themselves will be more than just a backdrop in this production. She will be actively involved in the plot, which will give the performance additional zest. The stage is designed by Jens Kilian and the costumes were designed by Heike Meixner. With a planned length of three hours, including an intermission, the evening is also suitable for long nights at the theater.

The ensemble is made up of talented actresses, actors and a five-piece rock band that brings the songs from Die Toten Hosen to life. This combination promises to expand Schiller's work emotionally and create new perspectives. “There are parallels between the gang of robbers and the band,” notes Mehmert, noting that this production addresses a special type of rebellion.

A look at the future

The choice of production is no coincidence: the premiere of the piece more than two hundred years ago made Schiller famous overnight. Many of the introductory lectures offered in the chapter house of the nearby museum have already sold out, demonstrating the great interest from the public. If you don't have tickets yet, you should hurry up, as some remaining tickets are available online and further performances are also planned for July and August 2025.

For David Jakobs, this is not only a new appearance, but also a return to a historic location. During his time in Bad Hersfeld, he lives in a charming apartment in Heenes, surrounded by nature and overlooking a paddock, which offers him a welcome break between rehearsals. It is another chapter in his impressive career, which he masters with his actor wife and four-year-old daughter, supported by his local grandparents.

Experience Schiller's “The Robbers” in a unique production - an evening that combines history and modernity in a thrilling way. One man's return is another man's adventure and so we can only hope that the premiere of the festival will be a real crowd puller.

Further information about the performance and ticket details can be found at Bad Hersfeld Festival and an in-depth background report HNA as well as a critical look at the production Karso on the way.