Hidden beneath the bustling streets of Berlin, the Garn Theater whispers tales of resilience and passion. This intimate venue, tucked away in a former tailor’s shop, holds a unique charm. The Garn Theater began its life in Neukölln. It then found its current home on Katzbachstraße in Kreuzberg. The theater’s unusual name, “Garn,” meaning “yarn” in German, is a nod to its origins. It’s a testament to the threads of creativity woven by its founder, Adolfo Assor.
Adolfo Assor, an exiled Chilean, founded the Garn Theater in 1988. He poured his heart and soul into this one-man operation. He has defied financial hardships to keep the theater alive. Assor wears many hats. He is the actor, director, lighting technician, cleaner, set designer, and publicist, all rolled into one. He even single-handedly converted the small cellar vault into the theater space it is today. The Garn Theater offers an intimate experience, seating a maximum of 50 people. The close proximity to the stage creates a unique atmosphere, intensifying the power of Assor’s performances.
The Garn Theater has showcased a diverse repertoire of productions. Assor has brought literary giants to life. He has performed works by Franz Kafka, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Fernando Pessoa. He has also showcased contemporary works like “Schiffbrüchige im Vergnügungspark” by Jorge Díaz and “Der Sonnenblumenkönig” by Klaus Geske. One notable performance was “Als dem Bundeskanzler einmal sehr kalt war,” a piece that garnered attention and was mentioned in the taz Berlin newspaper in 1999. This eclectic mix of classic and modern works demonstrates Assor’s commitment to showcasing powerful and thought-provoking theater. Despite its small size, the Garn Theater has made a significant contribution to Berlin’s vibrant arts scene. It’s a hidden gem, a testament to the enduring power of independent theater.