Fidena 2026: A festival moment with The Emperor's New Clothes in Bochum


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Fidena brings festival brilliance to Bochum with The Emperor's New Clothes (Film)
On May 14, 2026, the Rotunde at Konrad-Adenauer-Platz in Bochum will open its doors for a special program of the international puppet theater festival Fidena: the film version of The Emperor's New Clothes. Since 1958, the festival has stood for outstanding puppet theater in Bochum and the surrounding area and is one of the oldest of its kind in the world. The 2026 edition will run from May 13 to May 21 and marks the first under the new leadership of Helene Ewert and Christofer Schmidt.
A festival with history, stance, and a strong profile
Fidena connects tradition and the present in rarely impressive ways. According to the festival's history, the series has evolved from an international meeting of the puppet and figure theater scene to a platform for bold and demanding productions. In 2026, the citizen jury will also introduce new perspectives from Bochum and the region into the program. The result is a festival with a community feel, professional depth, and a clear artistic signature.
The Emperor's New Clothes as a film: fairy tale, stage, insight into the truth
The film presented is based on the well-known fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. At the center is an emperor who is deceived by two con artists and ultimately fails due to his own vanity. The version by Müller's Puppet Theater honors a significant legacy of puppet theater and will be presented as a special film presentation as part of Fidena. The screening will be complemented by a talk with the artists, which opens a look behind the production and adds a personal touch to the festival visit.
Rotunde Bochum: urban festival atmosphere in the heart of the Ruhr area
The Rotunde at Konrad-Adenauer-Platz 3 in 44787 Bochum provides the perfect setting: central, urban, and close to the city that has shaped Fidena for decades. The atmosphere promises a compact, culturally rich multi-day experience with a cleverly curated program, short distances, and the special charm of a festival that spreads throughout the city while still forming a common center.
What visitors can expect
The event is aimed at festival fans, families, and anyone who loves puppet theater, film, and clever fairy tale adaptations. Those who experience Fidena live will receive not only a performance but a piece of vibrant festival organization, cultural tradition, and contemporary stage art. This very mix is what makes it appealing: brief, concise, and content-rich.
Conclusion: The Emperor's New Clothes (Film) is a concentrated, atmospheric Fidena moment with fairy tale power, festival character, and potential for conversation. Anyone wishing to experience the special mix of puppet theater history, film, and live conveyed festival culture should not miss this morning in Bochum.
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