Volksbühne Olching Celebrates 100 Years With Sold-Out Summer Theater

The Volksbühne Olching celebrated its 100th anniversary with a sold-out premiere of Peter Landstorfer’s comedy “Ratsch und Tratsch” on Friday, June 13, 2026. The production moved from its usual venue to a specially constructed festival tent on the KOM parking lot to accommodate 270 guests, according to reports from the theater group.

Why did Volksbühne Olching move to a festival tent?

The theater group expanded its capacity to meet demand for the centennial celebration. While the regular venue at Gasthaus Oniro only seats 150 guests, the new tent on the KOM parking lot provides 270 seats and a larger stage.

The production required significant preparation before moving to the Olching center. The tent stood for four weeks in the barn of farmer Joseph Neumaier to allow for authentic rehearsals, according to the theater’s records.

Did You Know? The production’s set weighs 1.2 tons and features three traditional Bavarian wooden houses designed to be detachable for future storage and reuse.

Who was involved in the production of “Ratsch und Tratsch”?

Director Andreas Popovits led an 11-person acting troupe, which member Herrmann Selb described as a blend of experienced veterans and newer members. Alfred Schwarz, playing Nachtwächter Achatz, marked his 58th role with this performance.

The cast includes Paul Held as “Ratsch,” who performs on the accordion, and Simone Kaiser as “Tratsch.” Other roles are filled by Reiner Miefanger as Postbote Bartl, Moni Popovits as D’Fotznmare, Petra Huber as the night watchman’s wife, and Rosina as the shopkeeper.

Technical execution relied on the group’s 60 active members. Herrmann Selb noted that carpenter Maximilian Kriegl led the construction of the complex set, stating the project would not have been possible without his expertise.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter observes that the decision to personify “Gossip” through interactive characters who move through the audience likely shifts the production from a static play to an immersive experience, heightening the psychological tension of the plot.

What themes does the play explore?

Written by Landstorfer in 1999, the three-act dialect piece focuses on village rumors and the breach of postal secrecy. Herrmann Selb stated the play remains relevant because it addresses “Fake News,” a topic he says fits the modern era where truth is often uncertain.

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The plot centers on a mysterious letter and a remark by Andi Fischer (played by Franz Eberhofer) that triggers a series of accusations and village discord. The characters Ratsch and Tratsch drive this conflict, claiming that keeping secrets would be a “death sentence” for the community.

What could happen next for the production?

The theater group may utilize the 1.2-ton set in future performances, as it was specifically designed to be disassembled and stored. Given the sold-out status of the premiere, the production could see continued high attendance for remaining dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can the new festival tent accommodate?
The tent on the KOM parking lot holds 270 guests, an increase from the 150 seats available at Gasthaus Oniro.

Who was responsible for the set construction?
Maximilian Kriegl, a carpenter and member of the Volksbühne, led the construction of the 1.2-ton detachable set.

How many roles has Alfred Schwarz performed?
The role of Nachtwächter Achatz was the 58th role for Alfred Schwarz.

Do you think traditional dialect theater is an effective way to discuss modern issues like fake news?