The Festival
WESTWIND is one of the most renowned theatre festivals for young audiences nationwide. It is hosted by a different NRW theatre each year. In addition to a selection of NRW productions, the festival features international guest performances and an extensive programme of accompanying events including workshops, panels and discussions.
WESTWIND 2027
In early summer 2027, WESTWIND is coming to Neuss.
The Rheinische Landestheater is hosting the WESTWIND – Theatre Festival for Young Audiences NRW in collaboration with the Kulturforum Alte Post and the Theater am Schlachthof Neuss. WESTWIND is recognized nationwide as one of the most important festivals for theatre for young audiences and is hosted annually by a different theatre in North Rhine-Westphalia. The festival focuses on ten remarkable productions from the region, selected by an independent jury from submissions by independent troupes as well as municipal and state theatres. The program is complemented by international guest performances and a diverse supporting program featuring discussions, workshops, and opportunities for artists, audiences, and professionals to connect. As hosts, the Rheinische Landestheater, the Kulturforum Alte Post, and the Theater am Schlachthof Neuss combine their distinct perspectives: the state theatre’s experience with touring across the region, deep local cultural roots, and close ties to the independent theatre scene. Together, they are creating a festival that showcases the full diversity of theatre for young audiences.
A key thematic focus of WESTWIND 2027 is democracy education. Theatre can open up spaces where diverse voices are heard and societal issues are explored collectively. Artistic and discursive formats within the supporting program address these themes and invite dialogue. At the same time, the festival aims to be deeply rooted in the region. Schools from Neuss and the entire Rhein-Kreis Neuss district are invited to actively participate in the festival experience through preparatory projects, group visits, and encounters with artists. As a state theatre, the Rheinische Landestheater also seeks to contribute its unique perspective: its mandate to tour means it is connected to many cities and venues across North Rhine-Westphalia. Consequently, the festival will also invite the venues that host the four North Rhine-Westphalian state theatres. This fosters an exchange among artists, organizers, and audiences from across the country—and creates new touring opportunities for productions from North Rhine-Westphalia.
The Westwind Festival 2027 is funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the City of Neuss.