What Is the City but the People?

Created by the People of Recklinghausen

Directed by Richard Gregory

From an idea by Jeremy Deller

German Premiere

For the opening of Ruhrfestspiele 2019, 100 citizens of Recklinghausen will appear on stage at the Rathausplatz to collectively perform What Is the City but the People?. British concept artist Jeremy Deller developed What Is the City but the People? as a tribute to all the people who bring a city to life.

This incredibly ambitious and humane production combines art installation, concert and theatrical happening: framed by music, large-scale images and short texts, selected citizens of Recklinghausen present their life stories on stage. Together, these individuals create a moving self portrait of the city, highlighting the importance of community in everyone’s life.

The world premiere of Jeremy Deller’s original creation opened at the 2017 Manchester International Festival to critical acclaim. For the first time ever, Deller’s masterpiece will be performed in Germany. The whole city of Recklinghausen is invited to participate. Come and join us!

Erstmals in Auftrag gegeben und produziert vom Manchester International Festival.