Did you know that the roots of the Niederdeutsche B\u00fchne Flensburg stretch back to 1622? Back then, students from the Altes Gymnasium performed Plattdeutsch plays right here in Flensburg. However, the first documented performances date back to 1828. These were mostly rural plays and local farces.
In 1886, the Theaterclub Victoria became the first theater association. It played always to full houses, as reports say. A real signal to play Low German theater continuously and with high artistic standards came from Hamburg. Dr. Richard Ohnsorg’s company performed “Cili Cohrs” by Gorch Fock in 1916. This served as an example worth emulating.
Flensburg can proudly claim to be one of the first cities, alongside L\u00fcbeck, to follow this concept. In 1920, the Flensburger Speeldeel was founded. It quickly evolved from a loose group into a cohesive ensemble. In 1926, the Speeldeel was renamed Niederdeutsche B\u00fchne Flensburg. It already enjoyed a high reputation among the numerous Low German theaters that had sprung up in many places.
The Niederdeutsche B\u00fchne soon secured the stage of the Stadttheater with its sophisticated program. The quality of its performances ensured this. In 1934, it was placed directly under the respective director of the St\u00e4dtische B\u00fchnen. The theater constantly presented new productions alongside the classics. The audience welcomed these with enthusiasm.
This was rewarded with an extraordinary increase in subscriptions. Television recordings and celebrated guest performances beyond the north continued to shape the theater’s image. In January 1982, the Niederdeutsche B\u00fchne’s studio opened. It was set up and maintained by the circle of patrons. With 99 seats, it became the Kleine Haus of the theater. It is a theater space that has direct contact with the audience. It provides the best conditions for chamber plays, readings, cabaret, and experimental theater.
In 1974, the Niederdeutsche B\u00fchne became an independent theater. It was then called Niederdeutsche B\u00fchne der Stadt Flensburg. In its first season, it put on 78 performances and attracted over 24,000 visitors.
Due to municipal austerity measures, the Niederdeutsche B\u00fchne was released from the city’s care in 1995. The association Niederdeutsche B\u00fchne Flensburg e. V. took over the sponsorship. The tradition was preserved, and the theater was maintained.
Today, the Niederdeutsche B\u00fchne employs a full-time stage manager. It also employs four other staff members in the technical and artistic fields. The ensemble consists of around 60 volunteer members. With an average of seven premieres per season, the theater reaches around 24,000 spectators. Most productions are rehearsed by professional directors. The theater has around 1,500 subscribers.
The stage also receives important financial support from a support association founded in 1979. It has over 170 donating members. It has made it its mission to support the NDB in projects that cannot be covered by the current budget. This includes the renovation and expansion of the studio on Augustastra\u00dfe.
In Flensburg, Low German theater continues to be made with fun and commitment. It is on a level that often amazes guests and professionals alike. The audience in the Stadttheater and in the studio repeatedly shows its love for its theater. The Niederdeutsche B\u00fchne is an indispensable cultural institution in the city of Flensburg. The NDB celebrated its 100th anniversary in the 2019/20 season.