Alexander Klaws rides as Winnetou for sixth season at Karl May Festival in Bad Segeberg
The open-air Karl May Festival in Bad Segeberg, Germany, began on June 27 with 'In the Valley of Death', starring Alexander Klaws as Winnetou for the sixth year. The spectacle runs for 72 performances through September 6.
Opening night
The 2026 Karl May Festival in Bad Segeberg opened on Saturday evening with a premiere of 'Im Tal des Todes' ('In the Valley of Death') at the Kalkberg Arena. Over 7,000 spectators braved high temperatures to watch the new production, which runs until September 6 with shows on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. Organizers expect well over 400,000 visitors across the 72 scheduled performances.
Heat is better than bad weather.
The story
The plot takes the audience to the Mexican village of San Miguel. A villainous businessman named Roulin, played by Florian Fitz, captures locals and forces them to work in his toxic mercury mine. To prevent anyone from approaching, Roulin plans to spark a war between the Maricopa and Chiricahua Apache tribes by manipulating the Maricopa chief, Iron Arrow (Josy Peters), with alcohol and ordering the kidnapping of a revered Apache shaman, Paloma Nakana (Inés Cihal). Winnetou and his blood brother Old Shatterhand step in to stop the conflict.
Performers
Alexander Klaws dons the red Apache headband for his sixth season as Winnetou, riding his horse Iltschi. Bastian Semm returns for his third season as Old Shatterhand. The cast also features guest star Isabel Varell as cantina owner Miranda, a woman hunting for a wealthy husband but secretly longing for true love. Comedic relief comes from Heinrich Schafmeister and Alexis Kara as Sir John Raffley and attorney Don Fernando.
My inner child does somersaults every time I get to put on the epic red Apache headband.
Modern touches
Author Michael Stamp weaves contemporary references into the script. After the dramatic finale, Winnetou tells Old Shatterhand that power is dangerous in the wrong hands, and Old Shatterhand replies that those who hold it need a sharp mind and a good heart. Winnetou adds a wish that the chiefs of the world never forget that, and Old Shatterhand reminds that they must serve their people, not themselves.
