Karl-May-Spiele Bad Segeberg 2026 | Erste Szenen & Interviews | Im Tal des Todes

Breathtaking stunts, collapsing sets, and a touch of Mexico in the heart of Germany – is a visit to the Kalkberg open-air theater really worth it this season? Anyone wanting an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the new production and to find out what Winnetou and Old Shatterhand get up to off-camera will find all the answers in this video. The 73rd season of the Karl May Festival in Bad Segeberg promises one of the most action-packed adventures in recent years. Festival journalists Chris Luzio Schönburg and Stefan B. Westphal attended the official press conference to capture first glimpses of the production, interviews with the lead actors, and a look behind the scenes. In the new production, "In the Valley of Death," which runs from June 27 to September 6, 2026, at the famous open-air theater on the Kalkberg, the blood brothers Winnetou and Old Shatterhand find themselves in a thrilling adventure in the border region with Mexico. The goal is to prevent an impending war between the Maricopas and the Chiricahua Apaches and to stop the unscrupulous businessman Roulin. He is portrayed by guest star Florian Fitz, who thoroughly brushed up on his riding skills especially for this villainous role. Roulin secretly operates a toxic mercury mine and enslaves innocent people. Another prominent guest star shines as the spirited Señorita Miranda. The well-known all-rounder takes on the role of the ruthless cantina owner in San Miguel, bringing not only acting but also dance and song to the stage, and even learned to ride a horse specifically for this season. In the video interview, she discusses why the role of the villain holds such a special appeal for her. As the third major guest star, Heinrich Schafmeister enriches the ensemble as Sir John Raffley. As a snobbish British aristocrat unwillingly sent on an adventure, Schafmeister brings a stylish touch of comedy to the play. This original character by Karl May is thus being portrayed on stage or screen for the very first time. For the sixth time, the renowned musical star Alexander Klaws rides Winnetou through the arena. In an interview, he shares his deep connection to the role and the challenge of continually revealing new facets of this iconic figure. Alongside him, Bastian Semm embodies the legendary frontiersman Old Shatterhand for the third time. Following last year's viral success, the interview explores the importance of humor and modern social media content in traditional theater. With over 80 performers, 25 horses, and spectacular special effects, the play, directed by Nicolas König, offers a well-rounded story for all ages. The video also offers a glimpse into the rigorous training of the extras and supporting actors, as well as the fascinating technical aspects of the set design. Set designer Erik Rüffler and his team have prepared spectacular effects, including a ten-meter-long suspension bridge that can burn and break, and a house that collapses in a controlled manner in the middle of the arena. The 72 performances take place Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. ℹ️🎟️ Info and tickets: 🔗👉 https://www.karl-may-spiele.de #KarlMaySpiele #Winnetou #BadSegeberg #InTheValleyOfDeath #AlexanderKlaws #BastianSemm #IsabelVarell #HeinrichSchafmeister #FlorianFitz #KarlMay2026 #LandExplorer #OpenAirTheatre Timestamps (Chapter Overview): 0:00 – Intro and welcome from Kalkberg 0:34 – Interview with Isabel Varell (Señorita Miranda) 1:55 – First exclusive scene excerpts: The Mexican village of San Miguel 4:17 – The 2026 story: The secret of the mercury mine 6:24 – Director's insights with Nicolas König: Action meets family drama 8:44 – Stunt check: Jumps and stunts with the Horses of the production 9:41 – Interview with Alexander Klaws (Winnetou) 12:00 – Winnetou & Old Shatterhand live in the arena 12:35 – Interview with Bastian Semm (Old Shatterhand) & the background to the social media success 15:09 – Action-packed scenes from the Mexican cantina 16:06 – Voices of the extras and supporting actors about life in the Wild West 18:50 – Summary from the set and all information about the current run