Ninety-nine seats await you inside this unique cultural space. This is the Ruhrbühne Witten. It is not just a theater. It is a testament to the enduring power of community and the transformative magic of theater.
Ruhrbühne Witten began as a small theater group. It was called “Waldesrose” or Wildrose. Members from two Bochum theater clubs founded it in 1926. Heinrich Beckhaus and August Bach were among the founders.
The Waldesrose performances gained popularity. But dark times loomed. The Nazi regime stifled smaller organizations. The theater had to cease operations in 1935.
After World War II Alfred Haselhorst gathered former members. In 1948, the theater group resumed performances. Early shows took place in halls. “Kerker und Freiheit” drew 409 viewers. Admission was one Deutschmark.
The group needed a new venue. They found a home in the Hiby tavern. The members built their own stage. The first play there was “Gaslicht” in 1965.
Looking to expand its audience the group changed its name. In 1967, Waldesrose became the Ruhrbühne Witten. The name change was to attract more attention.
In 1969, the Ruhrbühne Witten found a steady home. It moved to the Hellmann hall in Papenholz. Later the theater found a home in the municipal hall of Witten in 1975. “Peterchens Mondfahrt” drew 4400 viewers. This occurred over five days in 1991. Extra showings were added.
In 1999, the Ruhrbühne Witten needed a new space again. The group found a spot. It was the former Rudolf Steiner School. It is located on Bochumer Street. The members renovated the old wooden pavilion. They transformed it into a unique cultural center. The theater hall in the former gym seats 99. The old classrooms became workshops. The teachers lounge became the costume room.
In 2010, the Ruhrbühne Witten bought the land. The members work to maintain the building. Some parts of the wooden structure date back to the 1960s. They were meant to last only 20 years.
In 2013, the Ruhrbühne Witten added two more performance spaces. They upgraded the Studiobühne. It can hold about 40 people. The group also built a covered outdoor stage. It opened during the summer festival in July 2013.
Today, the Ruhrbühne Witten thrives. The theater presents various shows. It presents comedies, dramas, crime stories and musicals. It also presents readings and plays for children. Everything is made in-house. This includes costumes, props and stage design. The café and foyer decorations fit each show.
The Ruhrbühne Witten stands as a symbol. It symbolizes the dedication to the performing arts. It brings people together. It offers laughter, reflection and shared experiences. The theater is a place where stories come to life.