Dusseldorf Festival running from 11th to 30th September

This year, Düsseldorf's cultural scene is set to be vibrant and diverse as the city's annual festival, initially named "Altstadtherbst", evolves into a wide-ranging cultural event. The festival, now in its 31st year, will feature a total of 60 events, including the German premiere of the acclaimed production "Passagers".

"Passagers", a captivating mix of circus, theater, illusion, music, and dance, tells the story of a group of strangers who meet on a train. The production, which will open this year's festival, is the German premiere of the Montreal-based company Les 7 doigts de la main. The director of the play is not explicitly mentioned in the provided search results.

Cape Verdean artist Elida Almeida will grace the festival with her performance on September 30. Known for her unique singing techniques honed with simple church songs, Almeida performs in major world music centers in Europe, Africa, and North America.

The festival has expanded spatially, with new and unusual venues being added throughout Düsseldorf. One such venue is the theater tent, where "Passagers" will take place.

In a separate event, actor Matthias Brandt and pianist Jens Thomas will perform together in "The Medical Case of Robert Schumann" on Sunday, September 15, at 5 pm and 8 pm. Schumann, a composer who was active in Düsseldorf as a music director, suffered from depressive episodes and states of complete nervous exhaustion. After an attempted suicide in 1854, Schumann spent the rest of his life in a mental institution in Bonn.

Approximately 500 artists from around the world participate in the festival, attracting around 25,000 visitors each year. Tickets for the festival can be purchased at www.duesseldorf-festival.de or the ticket hotline 82826622.

The festival's expansion and diverse offerings underscore its commitment to bringing high-quality, culturally rich experiences to Düsseldorf and the surrounding region. Whether you're a fan of music, theater, or circus, there's something for everyone at this year's festival. So mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable cultural journey!