Picture this. You stand before the Kleines Theater in Bonn. This unassuming building holds a rich history. It’s more than just a stage for plays. It’s a living testament to Bonn’s vibrant cultural scene.
The Kleines Theater wasn’t always a theater. Initially built in 1922-23 it served as a home for the Gebr David Bank. Its architect was the local Willy Mass. Tragedy struck when Louis David the bank’s owner took his own life in 1924. The building then housed the director of the Schillerwerke. In 1925 the Godesberg community bought the building. It became the official residence of the mayor Josef Zander who lived there from 1926 to 1933. His successor the Nazi politician Heinrich Alef also called it home.
After the war the building saw various uses. In 1969 the Bad Godesberg city council decided to give it to the Kleines Theater. The theater had started much earlier in 1958 in a basement on Ubierstrasse. Extensive renovations followed. The first performance in this new location took place on September 18 1970.
The Kleines Theater has 161 seats. Up to 300 performances are given each season. Walter Ullrich its founder was Germany’s youngest theater director at 27. He remained its director the longest-serving in Germany. He stepped down in 2019. Frank Oppermann took over. The theater’s future was uncertain until the city council secured its lease for 30 years.
Lilian Harvey a famous actress performed here in her final role. The Kleines Theater’s repertoire is diverse including drama comedy classics and musicals. It’s a beloved venue showcasing both established and up-and-coming talent. It’s more than a building. It is a space where stories unfold. It represents Bonn’s enduring passion for the arts. The Kleines Theater is a small theater with a big heart. A must-see for any visitor.