Some are open air, some are not. Either way, we would kindly advise to bring some weatherproof clothing with you. The Hamburg citizens are used to these kind of summers and the need to brave the weather, so don’t be surprised to see locals walking around in t-shirts and hotpants at night…

We thank the historical expert of the University of Hamburg, Eckart Krause, for offering the guided free tour titled ‘Aspects of a Neighbourhood: Our University in the Former Centre of Jewish Life in Hamburg’ on Wednesday evening, July 18, 19:00.

If you want to take part, please send quickly an email to the organizing team. First come, first serve! More information can be found here.

Gabriele genannt Gabi Schoenemann / pixelio.de

„Deutsches Schauspielhaus“

A rich classical architecture, red velveteen chairs and a small theater bookshop are the inviting elements of the „Deutsches Schauspielhaus“ – the biggest of the three State Theaters in Hamburg. Situated directly in front of the Main Station it may be the first sight of the city for many visitors. More than 100 years of theatre tradition rest on its dignified walls. No reason to rest for the performing artists, however. Next to the big stage where old beloved plays such as Goethe’s „Faust“ or Schiller’s „Die Räuber“ are often performed, the much smaller „Malersaal“ gives space to modern and experimental young artists. Next year, the stage will be renovated. Again no reason to rest but to experiment – the „Deutsches Schauspielhaus“ is currently rehearsing 13 new dramas which will not be set on the old stage, but rather on a provisionary one built on top of the 13 first rows.

„Thalia Theater“

Not as huge nor as splendid as the „Deutsches Schauspielhaus“ is the „Thalia-Theatre“ which is even a bit more popular to many spectators. The most famous directors have already worked with the exquisite ensemble of actors. Plays may be the same but the way of presentation seldom is. Most recently, Nicolas Stemann caused intensive discussions with his interpretation of „Faust I+II“. In a whole-night-theatre-experience of more than eight hours, he presented his principle of fewer characters and more actors. Faust, Mephisto and Gretchen become three personalities of one single character. For this marathon of modern theatre the catharsis is definitely inclusive.

„Hamburgische Staatsoper“

Funny as it may seem, the youngest and most modern built theatre house of the three state theatres is especially known for the most traditional form of performing art, the classical ballet. The most popular freeman of Hamburg reigns this branch as director and choreographer. Originally from the USA, John Neumeier worked almost 40 years in Hamburg. He fills the cold and undistinguished halls of the 1957 post-war-building with the tender aesthetic atmosphere of ballet. His modernism is not the form of art he chooses but the new interpretation of old stories. Some of his most interesting works of this kind are „illusions of a swan lake“ and more recently „the little mermaid“. But The „Staatsoper“not only consists of ballets. Since 2005 Simone Young is directing the Operas and the Orchestra. If you want to work your way through eight hours of Faust, enjoy a tasteful theatre evening or give yourself to the illusions of opera and ballet, Hamburg is ready to fulfill all of your theatrical wishes.

Julien Christ / pixelio.de

For the first time in the history of German pop music, these bands worked on discursive motives like the relationship of men and machine or criticize current politics. What started in the 1980s exclusively in Hamburg spread out through the whole country. The lyrics were set in German, as the mother tongue gave the musicians the opportunity to express their point of view more precisely – and also permitted the fans to understand every single word. This kind of critical pop music had its climax in the 1990s but one still feels the influence on young (and even younger) German musicians.

Soft, even melancholic melodies paired with hard guitar riffs, a deep, masculine voice and today as ever the mother tongue lyrics – these are the characteristics of the music of the band »Kettcar« which often is spoken of as being second generation »Hamburger Schule«. Describing the city in which they live from the »Landungsbrücken« in the port to the »Elbstrand«, the beach in the middle of the city, the every-day working life and the dreams one hasn‘t yet realised (the sound of “Kettcar”).

Almost half the age of this »young generation Hamburger Schule« three teenagers probably pave the way for the youngest one. »1000 Robota« is their name, »burning Hamburg« or »dream« are some of their songs. Even if their sound is more punk than the one of the former »Hamburger Schule« bands, the lyrics still contain current societal discourses. Although, as one can clearly see, they have much less experience in life than their predecessors (the sound of  “1000 Robota”). From Blumfeld to 1000 Robota the »Hamburger Schule« tradition still grows and develops new styles. In the whole they create the special sound of Hamburg.

Klaas Hartz / pixelio.de

I guess most of these 70.000 people come directly from the »Reeperbahn« which is not far away from the market place. Having danced and drunk through the night in Hamburg‘s most famous party district, it seems quite natural to go on to the fishmarket right afterwards. At least everyone thinks like this once in his or her lifetime. As for me, I have seldom met somebody who collected more than one of the famous wicker baskets. Doing the »Reeperbahn« and the fishmarket in one night seems to be the ultimate »once in a lifetime«-experience in Hamburg.

Not more than 100m away a huge grey building seems to swallow them up. It is the »Feldstraßen Bunker«, a relic from the second world war and probably the ugliest house in town. Nevertheless it hosts one of the most popular clubs of Hamburg‘s party culture. Taking the elevator one reaches a heavy iron door. Passing through is like switching to another world. Leaving the grey city behind, one may dance the swing, gamble or take a good glass of absinthe.

We are a little sad to announce that this bohemian party will not take place during the time of the DH2012. But if you are interested in culture situated aside the mainstream, you will find it in the »Uebel und Gefährlich« – the name of the club may be translated to »evil and dangerous« (but no need to worry, as it is neither ). From modern classical to Pop and Rock concerts, from literary readings to Poetry Slams, one will find well-known artists as well as undiscovered newcomers. So if you ever come back to Hamburg and, by chance, meet some strangely dressed people in the »U3« underground, just follow them, because they will lead you to Hamburg‘s retro-party of the year…