A phoenix from the ashes. That’s the story of the Schlosspark Theater. This theater stands before you with a rich history and a promising future.
The Schlosspark Theater first opened in 1804. It was part of the Steglitz manor house. People also knew the manor house as Wrangelschlösschen. Carl Friederich von Beyme commissioned the early classical-style building. The architect Heinrich Gentz worked from plans by David Gilly.
In 1921, the theater moved. It went into the building’s former managerial quarters. The architect Hans Heinrich Müller converted the space. It became a 440-seat venue.
After World War II, Boleslaw Barlog ran the Schlosspark Theater for 27 years. Hans Lietzau and Boy Gobert followed him. The theater premiered notable contemporary dramatic works. Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” premiered here in 1953.
In 1950, the Schlosspark Theater became the smaller venue. It was part of the municipal playhouse, the Schiller Theater in Charlottenburg. Great actors graced its stage. Klaus Kinski and Erich Schellow performed here. Johanna von Koczian and Klaus Kammer also appeared. Gudrun Genest, Bernhard Minetti, and Berta Drews were among the stars. Walter Franck, Martin Held, Marianne Hoppe, and Carl Raddatz played here too. Arthur Wiesner and Peter Ustinov also performed.
The Schiller Theater closed in 1993. The Schlosspark Theater closed too. Heribert Sasse ran the theater privately for some years. Stage Entertainment owned it from 2004. But neither matched the theater’s former success. The theater closed again.
Dieter Hallervorden relaunched the Schlosspark Theater in December 2008. Extensive refurbishment took place. The theater reopened for the 2009/10 season. It now has 473 seats. The Schlosspark Theater’s motto is “Spirit with Humour.”
The Schlosspark Theater celebrated its 100th birthday on May 12, 2021. The building was once a dance hall and restaurant. Hans Heinrich Müller built it around 1885. It stood on the grounds of the Wrangelschlösschen’s economic wing.
Today, the Schlosspark Theater offers a varied program. It includes guest productions and well-known actors. They come from film, television, and theater. Each season features about six new in-house productions. Many are German premieres. The program includes cabaret, readings, concerts, dance and children’s shows. The Young Schlosspark Theater presents programs too.
Productions with Dieter Hallervorden often sell out quickly. The Schlosspark Theater is once again a cultural center in southern Berlin. Its history is long. Its future is bright.