Tellspiele Interlaken

This article is currently under construction.

The Tellspiele Interlaken (also referred to as Tell-Freilichtspiele Interlaken) is an open-air theatre that regularly stages Friedrich Schiller's drama "Wilhelm Tell" in the municipality of Matten near Interlaken in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland. The tradition started with the first production in 1912. From 1947 on, the Tellspiele Interlaken have been performing every year (with a break in 2020 and 2021 due to the covid pandemic). The ensemble consists of approximately 200 theatre amateurs, partly in speaking parts, partly acting as mutes, musicians, or equestrians.

History

A local teacher in Matten near Interlaken, August Flückiger, initiated a performance of Friedrich Schiller's "Wilhelm Tell" with his pupils, cooperating with the "Dramatische Gesellschaft" (Engl. "Dramatic Society") in Interlaken. They first performed in 1912.

Venue

The Tell-Arena is situated at the outskirts of Matten and is the biggest landscape theatre in Switzerland. The theatre is in the shape of a medieval village including a chapel and a defensive tower. The sheltered grand stand has space for 1500 spectators.