TheaterhausG7

Hidden within Mannheim’s grid of squares, TheaterhausG7 whispers tales of dramatic innovation. Before it became the cultural gem we know, this space was a mundane city storage depot. In 1989, it underwent a transformation, emerging as a haven for independent theater. TheaterhausG7, formerly known as TiG7 until August 2016, is tucked away in the courtyard of Quadrate G7. With a cozy 80-seat capacity, this intimate venue hosts around 150 performances annually. It has become a vital production space for regional, national, and international artists. The theater focuses on text-based, literary works. Think compelling author-driven plays, collaborative piece development, and interdisciplinary productions. The non-profit organization, Theater TrennT, is the driving force behind this vibrant space. TheaterhausG7’s influence extends beyond its own stage. It has collaborated with the prestigious Nationaltheater Mannheim during the International Schillertage in 2001, 2003, and 2005. They also partnered for the Nacht der Poeten at Studio Werkhaus. In 2004, TheaterhausG7 introduced Mannheim to its first English-language theater festival, HEREANDNOW. It remains the only regular festival showcasing exclusively English-language theater and performance art. The theater has earned accolades for its innovative productions. In 2005, their production of “Sandkasten” (directed by Alexander Schilling) won both the Audience Award and the Jury Prize for Best Production at the Stuttgarter Theaterpreis. This success led to institutional funding for professional small theaters in Baden-Württemberg in 2006. Their production of “Jungfrauen und Madonnen” (directed by Christina Rast) snagged the Audience Award at the Stuttgarter Theaterpreis in 2009. In 2018, TheaterhausG7, in collaboration with Follow the Rabbit (Graz), won the STELLA18 Performing Arts Prize for Young Audiences for their production of “Mongos” (by Sergej Gößner). TheaterhausG7 continues to push boundaries and foster new talent. The 2018/19 season saw the world premiere of “Schiefer gehen” (by Carsten Brandau). This was made possible by the “Nah dran!” scholarship, supported by the German Literature Fund and the Children’s and Youth Theater Center. The theater also collaborated with the Nationaltheater Mannheim on the “Stücke aus dem Papierkorb” series. In 2021, TheaterhausG7 and Nationaltheater Mannheim co-produced “Made of Mannheim” for the 21st International Schillertage. British theater makers Javaad Alipoor and Chris Thorpe were commissioned for this unique project. The same year, TheaterhausG7 was one of 11 theaters honored with the prestigious Theaterpreis des Bundes, receiving a prize of 75,000 euros. TheaterhausG7’s journey, from storage depot to award-winning theater, speaks volumes about its commitment to artistic innovation and community engagement.