GDR operetta hit at the Theaterhaus Kleist Forum

"Messeschlager Gisela", a jewel of the GDR's light-hearted musical theater, is coming to the Theaterhaus Kleist Forum in Frankfurt (Oder). The production by Staatstheater Cottbus can be seen on January 30 and 31. The new production is not a nostalgia show, but a rousing mixture of operetta and musical, with extravagant costumes, a large stage set, slapstick interludes, elaborate choreography and snappy melodies.

The fashion combine "VEB Berliner Chic" is under pressure: its incompetent director has masses of goods produced, but hardly anyone wants to wear them. A special eye-catcher is needed for the upcoming fashion fair in Leipzig. And it's not the talentless boss who provides it, but the young fashion designer Gisela. Her design, the multifunctional dress "for every woman", becomes a hit at the fair – also thanks to the support of the collective and an infatuated journalist.

Premiered shortly before the Wall was built, "Gisela" was a resounding success until "state recommendations" caused it to be canceled. It was not only the self-evident freedom of travel in the plot of the operetta that was a thorn in the side of the political leadership, but also the many allusions to everything that goes wrong in everyday life in the GDR that led to the play disappearing from the stages.

"So beautifully performed, with such incredible timing, with unbelievable humor. A really great, funny evening with lots to laugh about." (Deutschlandfunk Kultur)

When and where?

Friday, January 30, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 31. January 2026 | 3:00 p.m.

Kleist Forum, Platz der Einheit 1, 15230 Frankfurt (Oder)
 

"Messeschlager Gisela"
Operetta by Gerd Natschinski
Libretto by Jo Schulz / Version by Axel Ranisch (2024)
Directed by: Katja Wolff / Musical direction: Johannes Zurl
Staatstheater Cottbus