Düsseldorf’s cultural landscape is bracing for change as Robert Koall, the current Chefdramaturg and Deputy General Intendant of the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus, prepares to depart after a decade of service. The announcement, featured in a recent segment on WDR’s Lokalzeit aus Düsseldorf on February 20, 2026, highlights not only this transition but also the vibrant array of current productions and local events captivating the city. Koall’s impending departure, slated for 2026, marks the end of an era for the theater, but also signals a period of renewal and fresh perspectives.
The Lokalzeit aus Düsseldorf broadcast, lasting approximately 29 minutes, offered a snapshot of life in the region, covering topics ranging from high water levels on the Rhine to the innovative use of artificial intelligence by the local fire department. It also showcased community initiatives like “Küche für alle” in Monheim, a program providing meals for all, and the observance of Ramadan with a breaking of the fast event in Krefeld. However, the segment dedicated to the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus and its Chefdramaturg provided a particularly poignant look at the theater’s current endeavors and future outlook.
A Minimalist Tolstoy: “13 spielen 35” at the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus
One of the key highlights discussed was the Schauspielhaus’s ambitious production of Leo Tolstoy’s epic novel, adapted for the stage with a remarkably small ensemble of just 13 actors portraying 35 characters. This innovative approach, dubbed “13 spielen 35,” demonstrates the theater’s commitment to challenging conventional theatrical boundaries and exploring new modes of storytelling. The production exemplifies a trend toward minimalist staging and a focus on the actors’ versatility, allowing audiences to engage with the classic text in a fresh and dynamic way.
Robert Koall: A Decade of Dramatic Leadership
Robert Koall’s tenure at the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus has been marked by a dedication to bringing both classic and contemporary works to life. Born in Cologne in 1972, Koall’s career began with studies in law, literature, history, and philosophy at the Freie Universität Berlin, before transitioning into the world of theater as a Regieassistent at the Grips Theater and the Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz. As detailed on the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus website, he served as assistant to Christoph Schlingensief from 1995 to 1998, a formative experience that shaped his artistic sensibilities.
Koall’s subsequent roles at the Deutsches Schauspielhaus in Hamburg, the Schauspielhaus Zürich, and the Schauspiel Hannover further honed his skills as a dramaturg. He served as Chefdramaturg at the Staatsschauspiel Dresden from 2009 to 2016, working alongside Intendant Wilfried Schulz, before arriving in Düsseldorf in 2016. His collaborative spirit is evident in the extensive list of directors he has worked with, including Christoph Schlingensief, Robert Wilson, and Constanza Macras.
From Tschick to Pessoa: Koall’s Adaptations and Artistic Vision
Koall is particularly renowned for his theatrical adaptations of literary works. He has successfully brought to the stage novels by Fatma Aydemir, Herman Melville, Cornelia Funke, and Erich Kästner, as well as adaptations of Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” and Wolfgang Herrndorf’s “Tschick.” Notably, his adaptation of “Tschick” became one of the most frequently performed plays of the 2010s. According to his Wikipedia entry, he even accepted the Leipzig Book Prize in 2012 on behalf of his friend, Wolfgang Herrndorf, who was unable to attend due to illness.
Looking ahead, Koall expressed excitement about the upcoming production of “The Book of Disquiet” by Fernando Pessoa, describing it as a work that is simultaneously about nothing and everything. This choice reflects his inclination towards challenging and thought-provoking material, and his desire to explore the complexities of the human condition through theater. The segment on Lokalzeit aus Düsseldorf highlighted his enthusiasm for this project, emphasizing the intellectual and artistic stimulation it promises.
A Fond Farewell and a Legacy of Collaboration
Despite his impending departure, Koall expressed a deep appreciation for the support he has received from the Düsseldorf audience, noting that the Schauspielhaus consistently ranks among the best-selling theaters in Germany. He quoted a line from a song by Hamburg musician Erobique – “Ich mag Leute, sie sind gut zu mir” (“I like people, they are good to me”) – to convey his gratitude and affection for the community. He acknowledged that while he is eager to embrace new challenges, he hopes to be missed by those he has collaborated with over the past decade.
Koall’s contributions extend beyond the Schauspielhaus itself. He is an active member of the artistic community, serving on advisory boards for dance and theater in Düsseldorf and as a member of the Düsseldorf Council of Arts. He is also an honorary member of the Christopher Street Day Dresden e.V. And a member of the Sächsische Akademie der Künste, demonstrating his commitment to fostering inclusivity and artistic excellence.
Looking Ahead: Düsseldorf’s Cultural Future
The departure of Robert Koall marks a turning point for the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus, but it also presents an opportunity for renewal and innovation. His legacy of collaboration, artistic risk-taking, and dedication to bringing compelling stories to the stage will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of theater professionals in Düsseldorf and beyond. The theater’s continued success, as highlighted by its strong ticket sales, suggests a bright future for the performing arts in the city.
As Koall prepares for new endeavors, the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus looks forward to building on his achievements and continuing to serve as a vibrant cultural hub for the region. The upcoming production of “The Book of Disquiet” promises to be a fitting culmination of his tenure, offering audiences a unique and unforgettable theatrical experience.
The next major event at the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus is the premiere of “The Book of Disquiet” in the spring of 2026. For more information on upcoming productions and events, visit the theater’s website at dhaus.de. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on Robert Koall’s contributions to the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus and the future of theater in Düsseldorf in the comments below.
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