Maxim Gorki Theater

– © Bettina Stöß

Under the plans of architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel, the Berlin Singakademie received its own concert hall along with the 1827 building. The oldest mixed Berliner choir concerts took place here up until the destruction of the building in the 2nd World War. Not until after the war was the classical building opened as a strait theatre venue.

Since 1952, contemporary theatre has been performed here under the name of Maxim Gorki. Initially, on the repertoire were mainly texts from Russian and Soviet Realism, but also the world premiere of Heiner Müller’s “Die Korrektur” and Alfred Matusche’s “Nacktes Gras”. With the passing of years, the Maxim Gorki Theatre increasingly claimed a stage programme that critically grapples with contemporary issues.

At the Gorki, also under the current Directorship of Armin Petras, the tradition of the ensemble and theatre’s authors are continued. Young directors such as Tillmann Köhler and Felicitas Bruckner create contemporary productions of classics as well as current dramas. To the actor ensemble currently belong Peter Kurth, Regine Zimmermann and Hilke Altefrohne, who are supported by well-known colleagues such as Fritzi Haberlandt and Jens Harzer.

To the programme, in addition to the classical straight theatre, also belong guest events such as the music cabaret by Rainald Grebe, dramatic readings and a series of lectures. The large stage of the theatre house, which is located in Berlin Mitte, directly behind the “Neue Wache” at boulevard Unter den Linden, has a 440-seat capacity. In the small studio stage right next to it, first and world-premieres as well as readings and performances of new formats are tried out and discussed.

Infos for school classes

Workshops for school classes are held here as preparation for a theatre visit, usually from 10 am to 2 pm. These workshops can be combined with stage tours. Conversations with the artists are also possible before or after performances. Registration by telephone is necessary. Tickets for school classes of at least 10 pupils cost 8 Euros .