Klaus Mann’s novel Mephisto is set during the final years of the Weimar Republic and the rise of National Socialism. For the actor Hendrik Höfgen, a daunting ascent begins when he secures an engagement in Berlin. Following his triumph in the role of Mephistopheles, he is appointed director of a state theatre by the fascist Prime Minister. What follows is a precarious balancing act between conformity and defiance, personal gain and criticism of the regime, art and power. Mephisto is a damning account of the life of actor and theatre director Gustaf Gründgens: a seminal work on the individual’s responsibility in a fascist state.
Mephisto was selected for Theatertreffen 2026. For his portrayal of Hendrik Höfgen, Thomas Schmauser was named Actor of the Year 2025 by Theater heute. He also received the 2025 FAUST Theatre Award and the Gertrud Eysoldt Ring.
Production Münchner Kammerspiele
Directed by Jette Steckel
With Bless Amada, Erwin Aljukić, Johanna Eiworth, Elias Krischke, Linda Pöppel, Thomas Schmauser, Maren Solty, Edmund Telgenkämper, Martin Weigel
Set design Florian Lösche
Costume design Pauline Hüners
Music Mark Badur, Elias Krischke
Lighting design Maximilian Kraußmüller
Adaptation Emilia Heinrich, Jette Steckel, Johanna Höhmann
Dramaturgy Johanna Höhmann, Theresa Schlesinger, Carl Hegemann
Dates
Further dates are being planned.