Kulturzentrum Alte Post, Photo: N.N.
Theater am Schlachthof Neuss, Photo: Johannes Schwelm
Rheinisches Landestheater Neuss, Photo: Christine Tritschler
WESTWIND 2027 from 30 May 2027 to 5 June 2027
43rd Theatre Meeting for Young Audiences NRW - WESTWIND 2027 in Neuss
In early summer 2027, WESTWIND is coming to Neuss. The Rheinisches Landestheater, in collaboration with the Kulturforum Alte Post and the Theater am Schlachthof Neuss, is organising WESTWIND – the Theatre Festival for Young Audiences in North Rhine-Westphalia.
WESTWIND is regarded nationwide as one of the most important festivals for theatre for young audiences and is hosted each year by a different theatre in North Rhine-Westphalia. The focus is on ten remarkable productions from North Rhine-Westphalia, selected by an independent jury from submissions by independent groups as well as municipal and state theatres. The programme is complemented by international guest performances and a diverse supporting programme featuring discussions, workshops and encounters between artists, audiences and experts.
As hosts, the Rheinisches Landestheater, the Kulturforum Alte Post and the Theater am Schlachthof Neuss bring together their different perspectives: the Landesbühne’s experience of touring the state, the cultural roots in the city and the proximity to the independent scene. Together, they are creating a festival that showcases theatre for young audiences in all its diversity.
A key focus of WESTWIND 2027 is on the theme of democracy education. Theatre can open up spaces where different voices are heard and social issues are discussed collectively. Artistic and discursive formats in the supporting programme address these themes and invite dialogue.
At the same time, the festival is intended to be firmly rooted in the region. Schools from Neuss and the entire Rhein-Kreis Neuss are invited to play an active part in the festival – through preparatory projects, joint visits to the festival and meetings with artists.
As a state theatre, the Rheinisches Landestheater also wishes to contribute its unique perspective: through its touring mandate, it is connected to many towns and venues across North Rhine-Westphalia. For this reason, guest theatres from the four North Rhine-Westphalian state theatres will also be invited to the festival. This will foster an exchange between artists, organisers and audiences from across the state – and open up new touring opportunities for productions from NRW.
Further information on the programme, the application process and venues will follow in the coming months.
The Westwind Festival 2027 is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the City of Neuss