When does Vis–à–Vis(a) take place at the Fidena Festival?

The performance starts on May 15, 2026, at 3:30 PM at Prinz Regent Theater Bochum.

Where is the event venue located?

The performance will take place at Prinz Regent Theater, Prinz-Regent-Str. 50-60, 44795 Bochum.

How much does a ticket cost?

The available ticket price is €10.14.

What is Vis–à–Vis(a) about?

The play tells the story of two friends planning a theater project while visa rules and travel hurdles unevenly distribute their freedom.

Is camping available on site?

No, it is a theater event at Prinz Regent Theater without camping options.

Is the venue accessible?

Yes, Prinz Regent Theater is accessible. Advance reservation is recommended for wheelchair spaces.

A festival about freedom, puppets, and friendship in the heart of Bochum

Name: Fidena Festival: Vis–à–Vis(a)
Start: 2026-05-15T17:30:00+02:00
End: 2026-05-15T18:15:00+02:00
Location: Prinz Regent Theater

A festival moment between friendship, freedom, and puppet magic

With Vis–à–Vis(a), the Fidena Festival presents a German-language premiere on May 15, 2026, at the Prinz Regent Theater Bochum, which addresses big questions in a touching stage form. The international puppet theater festival Fidena has been one of the oldest festivals of its kind in Europe since 1958 and will focus on fresh perspectives, participation, and strong artistic signatures for the first time in 2026 under new management.

When a document decides on freedom of movement

At the center is the story of Koen and Saber: two friends who want to realize a theater project together in the Netherlands. While Koen can travel freely, Saber’s path is hindered by visas, fees, proofs, and long waiting times. The production by Cat Smits Company and the Centre National d’Art de la Marionnette in Tunisia thus tells not only of a stage project but also of the unequal realities of global mobility.

Fidena as a festival with attitude and history

Since 1958, Fidena has brought together outstanding productions of international puppet and object theater in Bochum and the surrounding area. According to festival information, over 1,000 performances from more than 50 countries have been shown to date. The 2026 edition is the first under the new leadership of Helene Ewert and Christofer Schmidt. Additionally, the newly founded citizen jury will first co-create the festival program with people from the region – a strong sign of community spirit and cultural openness.

A venue with proximity and atmosphere

The Prinz Regent Theater is closely associated with Fidena and is conveniently located in Bochum-Weitmar. The auditorium creates the closeness that makes puppet theater so impressive: eye contact, subtle gestures, precise light changes, and the silent tension of an audience that supports every movement. Accessibility, public transport via the Knappenstr./Zeche stop, and parking spaces in front of the house ensure an uncomplicated theater visit.

Why this festival experience stays with you

Vis–à–Vis(a) combines poetic puppet theater with a highly relevant theme. The staging makes visible how political boundaries affect personal dreams and how art becomes powerful precisely where reality and hope collide. Those who appreciate festivals with attitude, international productions, and an intelligent, emotional narrative will experience an evening with lasting impact.

Conclusion: Fidena Festival: Vis–à–Vis(a) promises an intense theater evening with international relevance, finely composed stage aesthetics, and a story that touches and moves. Now is the time to seize the opportunity and experience this special festival production live in Bochum.