Tatort: Die Schöpfung – Murder Behind the Curtain
Cologne, 11 January 2026 – In the latest instalment of the long-running German crime series Tatort, detectives Max Ballauf and Freddy Schenk investigate a shocking murder at the Cologne Opera during rehearsals for Joseph Haydn’s oratorio “Die Schöpfung”. The episode, titled “Die Schöpfung”, promises intrigue, backstage drama, and a killer with a flair for theatrical staging.
Plot Summary
The episode opens with the discovery of Elli Zander, a props assistant at the Cologne Opera, found shot dead and dressed in a costume from the theatre’s wardrobe. Her body is posed dramatically, evoking an operatic scene. As Ballauf and Schenk delve into the world of opera, they uncover rivalries, jealousies, and pressures among the staff. A missing prop gun from the theatre’s arsenal points to an insider. When a second murder occurs – the opera’s shoemaker, Willi Köpke, found hanged with animal figures nearby – the detectives realise they may be dealing with a serial killer targeting the production.
The investigation takes them through the opera’s workshops, costume departments, and rehearsal spaces, highlighting the intense world behind the scenes. Freddy Schenk, revealed as an opera enthusiast, navigates the environment more comfortably than his partner. The case builds to a climax as the premiere looms, with the killer potentially planning a grand finale.
Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Episode Number | 1325 (94th case for Ballauf and Schenk) |
| Air Date | 11 January 2026, 20:15 on ARD Das Erste |
| Director | Torsten C. Fischer |
| Writer | Wolfgang Stauch |
| Main Cast | Klaus J. Behrendt (Max Ballauf), Dietmar Bär (Freddy Schenk), Katja Bürkle (Eva Krüger), Stephan Grossmann (Darius Henning) |
| Filming Locations | Cologne Opera and interim venues |
| Runtime | 90 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this episode based on a real event?
No, “Die Schöpfung” is a fictional episode of the Tatort series, inspired by the real Cologne Opera’s renovation and the oratorio by Joseph Haydn. It explores themes of backstage drama and murder in a theatrical setting.
Who are the main suspects?
The plot involves several opera staff, including the stressed intendant Darius Henning, the alcoholic soprano Valerie Schmitt, and the countertenor David Deycks, who goes missing. The detectives suspect an insider due to the prop gun used.
How does this episode compare to other Tatort instalments?
Like many Tatort episodes, it focuses on regional detectives (Ballauf and Schenk from Cologne) and social issues, here the pressures of the arts world. Reviews praise its ensemble cast and atmospheric setting, noting parallels to a recent Munich theatre-themed episode.