“What if the stage lights dimmed forever?” That thought has haunted the Probebühne, Osnabrück’s first amateur theatre, since 2022. For over 55 years the Probebühne has been performing. It has entertained countless guests.
The Probebühne isn’t just any theatre. Its home is a former Commander’s Church adding unique charm to every performance. Founded in 1966, the Probebühne quickly became an Osnabrück cultural staple. The ensemble has staged nearly 100 productions.
In 1980, the newly founded association made the space truly their own. They rented the former church. Before that, they rehearsed in the House of Youth. They also practiced at the Volkshochschule. Imagine the constant setup and teardown.
The Probebühne nearly faced closure in 1985. The property was up for auction. The city stepped in as a savior. They purchased the building to ensure the Probebühne’s survival. Since the 20th anniversary in 1986, the theatre has been renting the space from the city.
However, tougher fire safety regulations forced its closure in the late summer of 2022. The last performance at Wiesenstraße was Oscar Wilde’s “Bunbury or The Importance of Being Earnest.”
The ensemble found a temporary home at the “Erstes unordentliches Zimmertheater” for “My Heart is Pure”. The 30 active members long for their own stage. The familiar space and special atmosphere of the former church are greatly missed.
A tradition of the Probebühne is the “Nachklang”. It is a cozy after-show gathering. The event features artistic contributions in their own bar. This tradition has been on hold for two years.
The Probebühne is in a difficult position. The city owns the building. The city is responsible for renovations but seems disengaged. The Commander’s Church dates back to the 14th century. Its need for renovation has been clear for a long time.
The closure came suddenly. The ensemble can still rehearse there. They are familiar with fire safety measures. The board has been in talks with the city since 2022. The city acknowledges the Probebühne’s cultural importance. Action is lacking.
For this year’s production of “Otello darf nicht platzen,” the Probebühne can perform at the emma-theater. The ensemble appreciates the opportunity. They hope to welcome audiences back to Wiesenstraße soon.
In November, the Probebühne expressed its concerns to the city’s cultural committee. They wanted a discussion with the cultural administration and the building authority. An expert estimated the total renovation costs at 2.4 million euros in 2022.
The Probebühne hopes for a smaller, more manageable solution. They believe a cost-effective, step-by-step renovation is possible. This would allow them to perform in their home again. The city has seemed reluctant for the past year and a half.
The premiere of “Otello darf nicht platzen” took place in April at the emma-theater. The comedy is set in Cleveland, USA, in 1934. The opera “Otello” by Guiseppe Verdi is to be performed. Nothing goes as planned.
The Probebühne remains a vital part of Osnabrück’s cultural landscape. Its future in the Commander’s Church is uncertain. Will the city give the Probebühne another chance?