Theatre in Berlin: From the VolksbĂĽhne to the Gorki
Volkan Yavuz
Over 150 Stages in One City
Berlin has the densest theatre landscape in the German-speaking world. More than 150 venues, from state-subsidised theatres with hundreds of staff to basement stages that get by with three spotlights. What unites them all: an audience that takes theatre seriously. And a programme so vast that even dedicated theatregoers can barely keep track.
The major houses have programmes that can sell out months in advance, but almost all of them offer remaining tickets at the evening box office. If you are flexible, you will get in.
VolksbĂĽhne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz
The building is a Berlin landmark, with the word 'Ost' on one side and 'West' on the other. The VolksbĂĽhne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz in Mitte has a long history of provocative, politically charged productions. What is shown here is rarely comfortable and almost always worth debating.
Tickets start at around 12 euros. Those who turn up at the box office an hour before curtain-up can often get remaining seats at a significantly lower price. If you are not sure whether a production is for you: just go. The VolksbĂĽhne surprises, and that is entirely intentional.
Maxim Gorki Theater
The smallest of Berlin's state theatres is located at Festungsgraben 2 in Mitte, almost hidden behind the Kronprinzenpalais. Despite its size, the Gorki has one of the sharpest artistic profiles in the city. It defines itself as a postmigrant theatre: it brings Berlin's diversity onto the stage in a way that is rarely seen at other venues.
The themes are current, the productions closely engaged with the present. Tickets start at around 10 euros. Many performances have English surtitles, which makes the Gorki accessible to international visitors as well. For anyone who wants theatre that engages with the Berlin of today, the Gorki is a first port of call.
SchaubĂĽhne am Lehniner Platz
The SchaubĂĽhne at KurfĂĽrstendamm 153 in Charlottenburg is regarded internationally as one of the most significant spoken-word theatres in existence. Thomas Ostermeier has led the house since 1999 and has turned it into a venue whose productions tour the entire world. Ibsen, Shakespeare, Jelinek, and contemporary texts developed specifically for the house.
An important note for international visitors: many SchaubĂĽhne productions have English surtitles, making the house more accessible than most other Berlin theatres. Tickets cost between 15 and 50 euros. For the quality on offer, that is a fair price.
Berliner Ensemble
The Berliner Ensemble at Bertolt-Brecht-Platz 1 in Mitte is the theatre that Brecht himself founded after returning from exile. The connection to his work remains palpable to this day. The house performs Brecht, but not exclusively: modern repertoire and classic plays feature in the programme, and the historic theatre building directly on the Schiffbauerdamm is worth a visit in its own right. Tickets from 10 euros.
Deutsches Theater
The Deutsches Theater at SchumannstraĂźe 13a in Mitte is the oldest and in many respects the most tradition-rich spoken-word theatre in Berlin. The ensemble is among the strongest in the city, and the repertoire spans ancient material through to contemporary world premieres. Anyone who wants to experience classical German civic theatre at its finest will find it here. Tickets from 13 euros; student discounts apply at all state theatres.
Affordable Theatre Tickets
Berlin is a city where going to the theatre does not have to be a question of budget.
- Last-minute tickets: Most theatres sell remaining seats at significantly reduced prices one hour before curtain-up, often under 10 euros
- Fixed-price evenings: Some houses designate certain performances where all tickets cost 5 euros
- Student discounts: Reduced tickets are available at all state theatres, sometimes up to 50 per cent cheaper
- Season tickets: For regular visitors, subscriptions or annual passes at individual houses are well worth it
Practical Tips for a Theatre Evening
Most Berlin theatres perform in German without surtitles. The Schaubühne and the Gorki are important exceptions. There is almost no dress code anymore: smart everyday clothing is perfectly appropriate in any house. The interval is part of the evening — a glass of Sekt or water in the foyer, a brief conversation about what you have seen so far. In Berlin, that is part of the experience.
Tickets are best purchased directly via the theatres' websites or at the evening box office. For popular productions, booking early is advisable. Guests staying in a bevoflats apartment will find that most central Berlin neighbourhoods offer fast public transport access to nearly all the theatres mentioned here.
Volkan Yavuz
Editor at bevoflats. Knows every neighbourhood and every shortcut through the city.