Journey to the Center of the Earth at the Gasworks: Theater between adventure and mixed reality
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When the stage leads to the earth's interior
On December 10, 2026, the State Theater Augsburg invites you to an extraordinary expedition in the cooler building of the gasworks: Jules Verne's adventure classic Journey to the Center of the Earth combines acting, music, and mixed reality into an immersive stage experience.
Jules Verne meets Mixed Reality
Professor Otto Lidenbrock, his nephew Axel, and the mountain guide Hans Bjelke follow the traces of the alchemist Arne Saknussemm. The journey through the Icelandic volcano Snæfellsjökull goes deeper into a world full of mysterious signs, strange landscapes, and surprising discoveries.
The direction by Lukas Joshua Baueregger preserves the historical atmosphere of the novel while simultaneously expanding it with digital image worlds. With modern AR glasses, the audience experiences the stage space from a new perspective, without losing the connection to the real action.
Scenography between diorama and digital illusion
Rosa Wallbrecher's set design and costumes take up the imagery of the 19th century. Display cases, historical costumes, and two-dimensional backdrops initially create the magic of a living diorama. Then, the mixed-reality technology opens up the stage space and allows the expedition to delve into unimaginable depths.
The dramaturgy by Sophie Walz connects adventure storytelling and media theater with a keen sense for timing. The digital extension serves not merely as a gimmick but as a dramaturgical tool: it makes perception itself a theme and transforms the audience into active companions on the journey.
Acting, music, and theater atmosphere
Gerald Fiedler embodies Professor Lidenbrock as a gruff, research-driven expedition leader. Florian Mania gives Axel a human and humorous perspective as the figure of identification in the adventure. Wiard Witholt complements the ensemble with a powerful baritone and live-sung Icelandic folk songs, accompanied at the piano.
The unamplified music creates a striking contrast to the digital images. Between acoustic closeness, mysterious light moods, and virtual landscapes, a theater atmosphere emerges in which classical acting and contemporary digital theater sharpen each other.
An adventure for curious theatergoers
The performance is expected to last about 80 minutes and take place without an intermission. At the start of the performance, there will be an introduction and a briefing on how to use the AR glasses. Admission to the cooler building begins approximately ten minutes before the performance starts; the box office and meeting point are located in the oven house.
This stage experience is aimed at everyone who wants to rediscover Jules Verne’s narrative world and experience the possibilities of modern stage art firsthand. The audience's reaction thrives on the interplay between handcrafted theater, musical presence, and digital illusion.
Conclusion: An expedition that begins in the audience
Journey to the Center of the Earth not only leads into Jules Verne's fantastic underworld but also to the limits of what theater can tell and make visible today. Those who want to experience acting, music, set design, and mixed reality in an unusual connection will find a sensual and surprising stage experience in the cooler building of the gasworks. Secure your tickets for this special expedition through Augsburg’s digital theater.
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- Website: https://staatstheater-augsburg.de/die_reise_zum_mittelpunkt_der_erde
