Hexenkessel Hoftheater

– © Bernd Schönberger

– © Bernd Schönberger

– © Bernd Schönberger

For the Hexenkessel Hoftheater, summer is a celebration of traditions. Namely, at this time, the amphitheatre in the Monbijoupark transforms itself into one of the city’s most beautiful open-air theatres. Situated right next to the beach bar Mitte on the bank of the Spree, the ensemble with plenty of theatre makeup and opulent costumes performs Shakespeare, Molière or Goldoni.

Since 1994, the ensemble aims to “with the smallest possible ensemble and largest possible theatre, bring the way of life and performance of the historic wandering performance artists (Gauklervolk) to the folk”. With their contagious joy of playing and overflowing vitality they delight the Berliner public summer after summer. For the troupe, direct audience contact is just as important as accessible texts.

Every Monday, the actors clear the stage of the Hexenkessel Hoftheater and make room for musicians out of the entire world. With the “Monday Concerts in the Amphitheatre” musical bows are made spanning from Argentinean Tango to the Portuguese Fado, from Balkan Folk to Italian Chansons.

In the Monbijoupark, the summer season runs from May until September. In the winter, from November till March, the amphitheatre transforms itself into a fairytale cottage. Then, with the same fondness for stage scenery and costumes, the Grimm fairytales for both children and adults are brought upon the stage.