ag(o)ra

We are happy to re-discover a very special site in the city with you: the grounds where the GDR’s agricultural fair agra was held from 1952, a recognised trade fair for a domestic and international expert public. Under the name of “ag(o)ra”, we plan to turn this unusual and historically fascinating terrain into our temporary venue, a marketplace for stories and history.

Because there will be urgently required repairs to the stage electrics and the sound system of Schauspiel Leipzig’s Main Stage between April and October 2025. While there will be the usual programme at Diskothek, Foyer 1 and Residenz, performances will not be possible on the Main Stage during this period. As an alternative, Schauspiel Leipzig will present shows at Halle 4 on the grounds of the agra Messepark Leipzig, formerly the Kultursaal (Culture Hall) of the agra agricultural fair.

Among others, the world premiere of a commissioned work will be presented there, in which author Nino Haratischwili takes a new look at the ancient story of Clytemnestra and Cassandra and extends it into our present times. A research project will trace the past of the venue and the history of the agra agricultural fair, and this special place will also see a production of Heiner Müller’s classic “Die Umsiedlerin (The Resettled Woman)”. Based on a story by Anna Seghers, Müller’s play, which was banned when it first appeared, takes a critical look at the order to collectivise the GDR’s agriculture.

We will announce the comprehensive programme and more premieres and programme features for the ag(o)ra-era in February 2025. In March 2025, there will be an open day where we will give you an introduction to both the building and our programme.