A lot has happened behind the scenes over the last month marked by lockdown and COVID-19. Berlin's theaters are starting a very special season this year. We would like to recommend these 11+1 houses and venues to you. Let these actors and ensembles take you away. Expect to be inspired, entertained and enchanted. Curtains up!
Don't forget: You must be fully vaccinated, recovered or present a negative Corona test to attend a play. Please show responsibility, be on site on time, wear your masks and follow the hygiene rules of the organizers.
Tip 1: Schlossparktheater
Hildegard Knef celebrated her theater debut here, Klaus Kinski was part of the ensemble and Samuel Beckett himself staged his "Waiting for Godot" at the Wrangelschlösschen in Steglitz. Many stories could be told about the tradition-rich theater - and many will still be written. In 2008, the comedian and actor Dieter Hallervorden took over the management, who - together with other well-known names - also appears on stage himself from time to time.
Where: Schlossstrasse 48, Steglitz
This is on the program of Schlossparktheater
Tip 2: Heimathafen Neukölln
Neukölln is one of the most colorful and diverse neighborhoods in Berlin. And it is precisely this constantly changing diversity that Heimathafen Neukölln reflects with its program. As the voice of the district of Neukölln, the Volkstheater, whose history goes back to the 19th century, links different styles, genres and cultures. The program includes contemporary plays, opera, music, political discussions and all sorts of Berlin amusement.
Where: Karl-Marx-Strasse 141, Neukölln
This is what is on the program at Heimathafen Neukölln
Tip 3: RambaZamba
RambaZamba is the most inclusive stage in Berlin: Originating from a theater project initiated by Gisela Höhne and Klaus Erforth - inspired by their son Moritz, who was born with Downs Syndrome - RambaZamba has developed into a real insider tip. Today, the plays of the integrative theater reach a Europe-wide audience. The former pioneer has become an indispensable part of the Berlin theater scene, which has found a permanent home at the Kulturbrauerei.
Where: Schönhauser Allee 36-39, Prenzlauer Berg
This is what is on the program at RambaZamba
Tip 4: Stachelschweine
Founded as early as 1949, "Die Stachelschweine" (the Porcupines) continue to delight audiences with comedy and wordplay to this day. Since 2019, cabaret artist Frank Lüdecke and his wife Carolin have been bringing a breath of fresh air to the traditional stage. But there are also noteworthy innovations behind the curtains, such as the newly installed ionization and air purification system. An investment of the porcupines for you, the audience. Bravo!
Where: Tauentzienstrasse 9 -12, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Click here for the program of the cabaret theater "Die Stachelschweine"
Tip 5: Theater Strahl
Theater Strahl has already received numerous awards for its plays and choreographies. The program is aimed at young people from the age of twelve and sheds light on the lifeworlds, conflicts, fears and worries they have to deal with. The young people themselves are also regularly involved in the development of the plays.
Theater Strahl plays at the following venues:
- Kulturcentrum STRAHL.Die Weiße Rose at Martin-Luther-Strasse 77 in Schöneberg.
- STRAHL.rehearsal stage in the Kulturhaus at Kyffhäuserstraße 23 in Schöneberg
- STRAHL.Halle Ostkreuz at Marktstraße 9-12 in Lichtenberg
Find out what Theater STRAHL is currently playing
Tip 6: Monbijou Theater
"What you will!" - From Shakespeare to theater sports, the amphitheater near the Bode Museum plays classics and current events. Make yourself comfortable in the semicircle of the timbered wooden grandstand and look forward to summer theater at its best!
Where: Mommsenstraße 16, Mitte
This is what is on the program at the Monbijou Theater
Tip 7: Globe Theater
Modeled after London's legendary Shakespeare Theater, the Globe Berlin naturally presents the plays of William Shakespeare. But jazz, world music and slam poetry are also on the program. The audience sits on chairs in the center of the wooden circular stage and follows the scenes of Shakespeare's plays as they unfold in a 360-degree radius around them. The plays are performed in German translation.
Where: Sömmeringstraße 15, Charlottenburg
Click here for the Globe Theater program
Tip 8: GRIPS Theater
Theater to encourage - this is the concept that the GRIPS Theater has been implementing since the 1960s. The team of playwrights presents current topics for young audiences in a cheeky and socially critical manner. Some of the plays that originated here - such as Line 1 - now have cult status and have already been restaged in 50 countries and 40 languages. In addition, there are several new productions and world premieres each year. You can find out what's currently on the schedule in our calendar of events.
Where: GRIPS Podewil | Klosterstraße 68, Mitte and Altonaer Straße 22 , Charlottenburg
That's on the program at GRIPS Theater
Tip 9: DISTEL - Kabarett-Theater
The name is no coincidence, because the political satire of the cabaret theater DISTEL (thistle) is just as prickly and merciless as the botanical cousin of the same name. As a real sting in the seat of government, the ensemble lets all political inconsistencies burst with spirit and wit. With a wink at the thorn in the side of the powerful, the sketches, solos and musical numbers of the DISTEL regularly incite the audience to bursts of laughter.
Where: Friedrichstrasse 101, Mitte
Here's what's on the program at the Distel - Kabarett-Theater
Tip 10: Tipi at Kanzleramt
Under the tent of the Tipi at Kanzleramt, the magic of the showman's life awakens. As soon as the audience has gathered in this largest stationary tent stage in Europe, everyday life disappears behind glittering stage lights. Chanson, burlesque, musical, comedy, show, cabaret and magic - all this awaits you in the Tipi, with a star cast of the finest. In summer you can meet under the shady trees of the beer garden before and after the show. As soon as it gets colder the bistro tables under the chandeliers in the tent invite you to enjoy drinks, snacks and inspiring talks.
Where: Große Querallee between the Chancellor's Office (Kanzleramt) and the House of World Cultures (Haus der Kulturen der Welt), Mitte
The program of Tipi at Kanzleramt
Tip 11: CHAMÄLEON
The Varieté Theater in the Hackesche Höfe sees itself as a showcase for contemporary circus arts. Pieces of breathtaking acrobatics are shown, paired with music, dance, acting and humor - and all this against the magnificent backdrop of the historic building.
Where: Rosenthaler Straße 40-41, Mitte
More information about the CHAMÄLEON
And an extra tip: Theater Parkaue
With three stages and 600 seats, the Theater Parkaue is one of the largest children's and youth theaters in Germany. Children from the age of 4 are taken into the world of theater here. But a visit to the Junges Staatstheater in der Parkaue is also an experience for school children. In addition to classics, contemporary and experimental works, the theater also stages plays that have been developed together with young people on socially relevant topics.
Where: Parkaue 29, Lichtenberg
