William Tell Open-Air Theatre in Interlaken

In 1912, Schiller’s “William Tell” was performed as an open-air play for the first time in Matten near Interlaken. Thus began the success story – now over a century old – of a Swiss cultural jewel in the Bernese Oberland. No other work in literary history has had such a lasting impact on Swiss folk culture and no theatre stage presents Swiss history as closely and authentically as the William Tell Open-Air Theatre in Interlaken. With the new production "#Tell Mut Macht Mythos" (#Tell courage power myth) by Tiziana Sarro and Klemens Brysch, the story of William Tell's apple shot, the oath at the Rütli and the Hohle Gasse get a fresh retelling. The supporting story to Schiller’s drama features a class of schoolchildren, the inclusion of whom links present-day issues to the heart of the drama. It brings a generous helping of fun to the play but also a reflective solemnity.

The William Tell Open-Air Theatre is the largest open-air theatre in Switzerland. More than 140 actors – from the leading actor to the folk actor – are amateurs and make up the large William Tell Open-Air Theatre ‘family’. Horses, cows and goats help transform the magnificent natural stage at the “Rugenwald zu Matten” (Rugen forest in Matten) into an exciting and spectacular scene. At every performance, for example, a farmer leads his decorated cows to the theatre for the famous cattle drive. The herd of goats completes the picture. The cavalry – up to 18 horses are in action – adds an exhilarating dynamic to the expansive natural stage, further enriching the performance. At the core of the production is an authentic drama, which leaves a lasting impression. Schiller’s original script has been retained as much as possible. The performance takes a critical look at our modern society and aims to weave both audience and performers together. Thanks to the covered grandstand with around 1700 seats, the audience can experience the play up close in any weather.