Have you ever heard of a theater tucked away in a cellar? Right here in Mainz, the Unterhaus Forum Theatre is exactly that. The Unterhaus is more than just a stage, it’s a cultural powerhouse. It’s renowned as one of Germany’s most prestigious small theaters, hosting everything from satirical reviews to intimate plays. The Unterhaus even hosts the annual Deutsche Kleinkunstpreis, a significant award for fringe productions.
The Unterhaus began its life in 1966. Its founders, Artur Bergk, Renate Fritz-Schillo, and Carl-Friedrich Krüger, envisioned a space where art could flourish. They wanted a place where laughter could meet learning and community could thrive. They certainly achieved their goal. The Unterhaus has become a beloved institution, known far beyond Mainz. It has fostered the dreams of countless artists.
The Unterhaus offers two performance spaces. The main theater is housed in a vaulted cellar, giving it a unique atmosphere. The second stage, “unterhaus im unterhaus”, is situated above the main theater and provides a more intimate setting. Together, these two venues can accommodate about 500 people, welcoming both established stars and rising talents.
The Unterhaus is more than just cabaret. It embraces a diverse range of performances, including jazz, matinees, readings, talk shows, and children’s and youth theater. The Unterhaus is also deeply connected to Hanns Dieter Hüscher. Hüscher’s bell from his “arche nova”, which capsized in 1971, hangs in the foyer. It rings before every performance, a reminder of the theater’s commitment to non-conformity. In 1972, the Unterhaus established the Deutscher Kleinkunstpreis, considered the “Oscar” of German cabaret. This prestigious award is a testament to the Unterhaus’s influence on the German arts scene.
Outside the Unterhaus, you’ll find the “Sterne der Satire,” a “Walk of Fame” celebrating German cabaret greats. This outdoor tribute is a reminder of the countless artists who have graced the Unterhaus stage. Think of artists like Konrad Beikircher, Wolf Biermann, Thomas Freitag, Hanns Dieter Hüscher, and so many more. Their legacies are etched not only in these stars but also in the vibrant history of the Unterhaus. The Unterhaus is more than just a theater. It is a symbol of artistic expression, a hub of cultural exchange, and a testament to the power of laughter and community.