The Ruhrfestspiele Recklinghausen have a different overall festival theme for each season. In 2017 it was 'Kopfüber Weltunter'. It is a play on words and translates to 'Headfirst World Under'. Among other things the festivals program dealt critically with the world's current political situation.

The Ruhrfestpiele are located in the Ruhr, which was a major coal mining area in the past. The letters show typical architecture of this area that originate from those times. The black background and the upside-down typography with the eroded font creates a doomsday mood.

The visitors of the festival were touched by the daunting message of the motive.