Robert Blum in Petterweil

Freilicht-Theater-Aufführung am Robert Blum Denkmal #2

The project Robert Blum in Petterweil dedicates a mini theatre festival to the prominent democrat and mediator Robert Blum at a site of special significance in the history of democracy.

In July 1848, just a few months before his execution, Blum visited the village of Petterweil in the southern Hessian Wetterau region and delivered a speech. Inspired by his visit, the local community erected a memorial stone in his honour—to this day, the only one of its kind in the world.

A newly written play by Peter Michalzik brings Robert Blum to life at this very memorial stone. It raises questions about standing up courageously for a just cause, the challenges of remembrance, and the relevance of monuments today.

At a democratic theatre picnic, the audience is invited to listen, reflect, and take part in this historic location.

Performances will take place on 9, 10, and 11 July 2026 at the Robert Blum Memorial Stone in Petterweil. This will be followed by a matinee on 12 July 2026, where Petterweil will look back on its history and come together in dialogue.

The project was initiated by Passionsspiele der Demokratie gUG, based in Frankfurt am Main. The organisation develops participatory theatre projects at historic sites of democracy. Using artistic means, it makes social processes visible and invites citizens to experience democracy as a collective practice.

Credits:

• Playwright: Peter Michalzik
• Director: Maxime Mourot
• Cast: Katharina Kurschat and Eicke Hackmann
• Featuring the voice of: Michael Quast
• Costume Design: Kati Stubbe

Free admission. Please bring your own picnic blanket and hamper.

The project is being run by Passionsspiele der Demokratie gUG, based in Frankfurt, which puts on participatory theater projects about democracy and democratic history—most recently at St. Paul's Church in Frankfurt. Partners will include local associations, choirs, and cultural figures in Karben-Petterweil, as well as the Wetteraukreis Partnership for Democracy.