The Neverending Story at the Old Cinema Franklin: Fantasy comes alive
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A portal to Fantasia opens in Mannheim
On November 12, 2026, the National Theatre Mannheim invites you to a public rehearsal of The Neverending Story (8+) at the Old Cinema Franklin. Michael Ende's generational classic connects adventure, fantasy, and the quiet question of what power arises in a person who finds the courage to believe in themselves.
Bastian Balthasar Bux and the threatened world of fantasy
Bastian is bullied at school and escapes to a second-hand bookstore. There, he discovers a mysterious book that immediately takes him to the realm of Fantasia. The destructive Nothing threatens the magical world, while the Childlike Empress is gravely ill. Together with Atreyu and the luck dragon Fuchur, Bastian embarks on a journey through will-o'-the-wisps, rock eaters, and racing snails.
A visually striking production for the whole family
Director Nina Mattenklotz adapts the material into a imaginative, musical, and visually strong stage world. The version by John von Düffel condenses the extensive novel for the theater and places Bastian's inner development at the center. Acting, Young National Theater, and the National Theatre Orchestra come together in a co-production where storytelling, live music, video, and performing arts intertwine.
The Old Cinema Franklin as a venue
The Old Cinema Franklin gives the stage experience a special atmosphere. Between historic film palace and modern theater, a space emerges where Fantasia springs directly from light, sound, costume, and movement. Stage and costumes are designed by Johanna Pfau, lighting is created by Marius Lorenzen and Robby Schumann, and the music is composed by Romy Camerun.
Public rehearsal providing insight into theater work
A public rehearsal makes the creation process of the production visible. The audience experiences the production just before the premiere and gains an immediate impression of direction, dramaturgy, and the interplay of the ensembles. The performance lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes and will be presented without intermission in German. This theater experience is recommended for visitors aged 8 and up.
Conclusion: Fantasy as stage power
The Neverending Story promises a sensual stage experience about loneliness, courage, and the power of storytelling. Anyone who knows Fantasia not just from memory, but wants to discover it live on stage will experience a poetic family production with great visual strength at the Old Cinema Franklin.
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