Theater Rampe

Tucked away in the bustling heart of Stuttgart, Theater Rampe isn’t just a stage. It’s a living, breathing entity intertwined with the city’s pulse. Theater Rampe shares its unique space with a rather unusual roommate. Every evening, the Zacke, Stuttgart’s iconic cogwheel train, pulls into the theater’s foyer to park overnight. Imagine the scene: a giant, glass-enclosed foyer transforms into a train depot each night. This unusual cohabitation is a testament to the Theater Rampe’s unconventional spirit. Theater Rampe was founded in 1984 by Regula Gerber and Alexander Seer. It started as an independent theater with a twenty-member ensemble. Their performances shaped the theater’s presence in the regional and national scene. The repertoire included classics and new German dramas. In 1988, the theater had to move. The city and state helped them find a new home. They found the old rack railway depot on Filderstraße. Dr. Roland Batzill and former mayor Manfred Rommel initiated its conversion into the Theater Rampe. The move to this unusual location in 1992 marked a turning point. Theater Rampe evolved into a production and co-production house. It championed contemporary aesthetics and experimental formats. From 1998 to 2013, Eva Hosemann, and later Stephan Bruckmeier, focused on contemporary drama. This era solidified Theater Rampe’s reputation as an auteur theater. The theater is a hub for local groups and collectives. It’s also a space for exchange with diverse social actors. Theater Rampe hosts national and international artists, fostering artistic connections. The theater has a vibrant history of leadership. Marie Bues and Martina Grohmann took over in 2013. They further developed the theater as a production venue for the independent scene. Later, Franziska Stulle joined Martina Grohmann in leadership. Currently, Ilona Schaal, Bastian Sistig, and Lisa Tuyala are at the helm, continuing the theater’s evolution into an internationally recognized production house. This evolution continues today, with a focus on creating experimental, contemporary works. Theater Rampe even earned the prestigious German Federal Theater Prize in 2019. It also organizes the biennial “6 TAGE FREI” festival, showcasing independent performing arts. So, next time you’re in Stuttgart, visit Theater Rampe. Witness the harmony of art and urban life. Experience the unique atmosphere where a theater and a train depot coexist.