The German State Theatre Timișoara (GSTT) announces the premiere of the production “Heidi”, directed by Petra Rațiu, a show dedicated to young audiences and families, inspired by one of the most well-known and beloved stories of world children’s literature. The premiere will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM, on the stage of the German State Theatre Timișoara.
The performance is based on the stage adaptation by Thomas Birkmeir after the classic novel by Johanna Spyri and offers a warm, playful, and emotionally engaging theatrical reinterpretation of little Heidi’s adventures. The story follows the journey of an orphaned girl who comes to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps and who, through her openness, curiosity, and sincerity, manages to transform the world around her. At the heart of this story are universal themes such as friendship, solidarity, the relationship with nature, and the deep need for belonging—themes that remain timely and relevant for audiences of all ages.
The production at the German State Theatre Timișoara is aimed primarily at children and young spectators, while also retaining a poetic and reflective dimension that can be enjoyed by adult audiences. The show relies on dynamism, imagination, and an accessible stage language, in which the actors’ performances, music, and visual elements contribute to creating a lively and welcoming scenic universe. The direction by Petra Rațiu emphasizes direct interaction with the audience and the theatre’s ability to become a space of encounter, emotion, and discovery.
Johanna Spyri (1827–1901), the author of the novel Heidi, is one of the central figures of European children’s literature. Born in Switzerland, Spyri published the first part of the novel in 1879, inspired by Alpine landscapes and rural life of the time. The book enjoyed extraordinary international success, being translated into numerous languages and adapted over time for theatre, film, and television. Heidi has become a symbol of childhood, of the bond with nature, and of fundamental human values, spanning generations of readers and spectators.
The director of the production, Petra Rațiu, is a theatre maker with significant experience working with young audiences and in developing projects that combine artistic and educational dimensions. Trained at UNATC Bucharest, Petra Rațiu has collaborated with various theatre institutions in Romania and in the German cultural sphere, and is appreciated for her directorial sensitivity and her attention to the collaborative process with actors. In her productions, she explores theatre as a space of play, imagination, and dialogue, and Heidi naturally fits within this artistic direction.
Following the premiere performance, Heidi will also be presented on other dates in the repertoire of the German State Theatre Timișoara. The production will be performed on February 4, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at the “Ioan Slavici” Classical Theatre in Arad, as a touring performance dedicated to young audiences, as well as on February 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM, on the stage of the German State Theatre Timișoara.
With this new premiere, the German State Theatre Timișoara continues its commitment to offering high-quality productions for children, young people, and families, strengthening the educational and theatrical pedagogy component of its repertoire. Heidi invites audiences to a theatrical experience full of warmth and emotion, reminding us of the importance of empathy, friendship, and the bond with nature, in a story that remains just as relevant today.
For further information about the performance, schedule, and tickets, the public is invited to consult the official website of the German State Theatre Timișoara.
