Envision a theater rising from the ashes of war. This is the story of Schauspielhaus in Bonn. The Schauspielhaus stands as a testament to Bonn’s enduring spirit.
Bonn’s theater history stretches back to the time of the Prince-Electors. In 1826, Bonn’s art-loving citizens built their first Schauspielhaus. This was to promote musical and artistic education. By 1848, a new building arose on Wilhelmsplatz. The city took control in 1859 and performances were managed from Cologne.
The Schauspielhaus had its own ensemble from 1902. In 1935, the opera also gained its own company. World War II brought devastation. A bombing raid destroyed the theater on October 18, 1944. After the war, the Bonner Bürgerverein building became a temporary venue. This building stood at the corner of Poppelsdorfer Allee and Kronprinzenstraße. Today, it is Prinz-Albert-Straße.
In 1965, a new building was inaugurated on the banks of the Rhine. This is near the Kennedy Bridge and is the present-day opera house. It seats 1,024 people. Karl Pempelfort focused on the works of William Shakespeare. Hans-Joachim Heyse continued this tradition from 1970 to 1981. Claude Riber brought international opera stars to the stage. Peter Eschberg, the Schauspieldirektor, showcased contemporary Austrian authors.
Jean-Claude Riber became Generalintendant of the Bühnen der Stadt Bonn in 1981. In 1986, the opera and Schauspielhaus split. Each had its own Intendanz. On August 1, 1997, they reunited under Generalintendant Manfred Beilharz. He had become Schauspielintendant in 1991.
In 1992, Beilharz founded the Bonner Biennale. This was a festival for new European plays. It occurred every two years with Tankred Dorst. Klaus Weise continued it from 2003. The festival presented country portraits. These included the USA, India, and Turkey.
The Schauspielhaus Bonn also has a venue in Bad Godesberg. This is the first German theater built after the war. It is now a listed building. The Schauspielhaus Bonn contributes significantly to the city’s cultural life. It hosts around 500 events each year. These include opera and play productions. They also include guest performances.
Today, the Theater Bonn continues its mission. It aims to offer something for everyone. It does not matter your background or experience. The Schauspielhaus seeks to reflect Bonn’s diverse community. It wants to be a central meeting place for all.