Did you know that the Theater an der Parkaue is Germany’s largest state theater for young audiences? It stands as a cornerstone of the national and international youth theater scene. Today, we explore its history. We will uncover fascinating facts about this cultural gem.
The Theater an der Parkaue is in Berlin-Lichtenberg. The building itself has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. In 1910 and 1911, city planning officer Johannes Uhlig and architect Wilhelm Grieme designed the building. It was initially a boys’ high school with a Renaissance-inspired design.
However, its purpose shifted drastically over the years. In 1934, the school was renamed the Joseph-Goebbels-Schule. It survived the war almost untouched. In 1948, the Soviet Military Administration ordered the building to be converted for cultural purposes. After the war, the building became a children’s branch. It was a branch of the House of Culture of the Soviet Union. It later became the “Pioneer House.” Until German reunification in 1990, the Pioneer House had up to 130 activity groups for children.
The right wing of the building transformed into the Theater der Freundschaft in 1948. This was a theater for children and young people. The first performance was planned to be “You Are the Right One.” However, material procurement issues delayed it. The play was instead performed at the Theater des Hauses der Sowjetischen Kultur. The Theater der Freundschaft finally opened on November 16, 1950.
In 1991, Manuel Schöbel became the youngest artistic director in Germany. He expanded the theater’s repertoire. The theater presented up to 30 productions for all age groups. It opened its doors to previously unperformed Western European drama.
In August 2005, the theater received its current name: Theater an der Parkaue. Kay Wuschek became the artistic director. Today, the Theater an der Parkaue presents old myths, fairytales and modern texts. It also stages older plays and classics from 2000 years of literature. These are presented with contemporary aesthetics. The theater also offers workshops and theater clubs. The focus is on making theater relevant to the lives, opinions and interests of young people. Dance and theater from different cultures are presented. This is often done in cooperation with international partners.
The Theater an der Parkaue has three stages. These stages can seat more than 600 people. The repertoire includes over 35 plays for children and school groups of all ages. Even the very young, from age four, are introduced to the theater. Teenagers and young adults also enjoy performances here.
Between 2014 and 2023, the building underwent extensive renovations. The renovations modernized the theater in two stages. The first stage was from 2014 to 2017. The second stage was from 2020 to 2023.
The Theater an der Parkaue is more than just a theater. It’s a place where young people can explore the world of performing arts. It is a place that nurtures their creativity and imagination. It continues to be a vital part of Berlin’s cultural landscape. It enriches the lives of children and families alike.