Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz

The Volksbühne in Berlin, located in Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz, is a theatrical institution that embodies the essence of German culture and history. Founded in 1914, the Volksbühne, which means “People’s Theater,” has always had the mission of making art accessible to everyone, especially the working classes. This goal was clearly expressed by the motto “Die Kunst dem Volke” (“Art to the People”), inscribed on the facade of the building. Architect Oskar Kaufmann designed the original building, combining elements of expressionism and new objectivity. The imposing structure, with its austere facade and richly detailed interiors, was conceived to be a place of artistic innovation and experimentation. The main hall, with a capacity of about 800 seats, offers an intimate yet grand environment, perfect for the avant-garde theatrical productions that characterize the history of the Volksbühne. In the years immediately following its foundation, the Volksbühne became a reference point for political and social theater. Under the direction of Max Reinhardt and later Erwin Piscator, the theater hosted productions that challenged the conventions of the time and addressed contemporary themes with a radical approach. Piscator, in particular, was famous for his innovative techniques, including the use of multimedia projections and dynamic set design. His idea of “total theater” also deeply influenced Bertolt Brecht, who adopted many of his ideas in his own work. During the Nazi period, the Volksbühne was forced to conform to the regime’s strict cultural policies and was renamed “Theater am Horst-Wessel-Platz.” Despite the restrictions, the theater managed to maintain a certain artistic independence and serve as a place of cultural resistance. However, many artists and intellectuals were persecuted, and the history of the Volksbühne during this period is marked by personal and collective tragedies. World War II led to the almost total destruction of the building, which was rebuilt between 1950 and 1954 in a more sober style. The reconstruction was led by architect Hans Richter and reflected the aesthetic of prevailing socialist realism in East Germany. During the GDR period, the Volksbühne became one of the main theaters in East Berlin, known for its experimental productions and interpretation of classic works through a socialist lens. Directors like Benno Besson and Heiner Müller helped define the theater as a place of innovation and political reflection. With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the Volksbühne entered a new era. Reunification brought new challenges and opportunities, and under the direction of Frank Castorf, who took over in 1992, the theater embraced a radical and provocative approach. Castorf is known for integrating elements of pop culture, multimedia, and sharp criticism of post-reunification society in his productions. This period was characterized by great experimentation and productions that addressed themes such as capitalism, globalization, and the legacy of socialism. In the following years, the Volksbühne continued to evolve, maintaining its commitment to accessible and politically engaged theater. The appointment of René Pollesch as artistic director in 2021 marked the beginning of a new chapter for the theater, with a program that continues to explore new languages and artistic forms, including dance, music, performance, and film. The Volksbühne remains a beacon of cultural innovation, capable of attracting both regular audiences and new visitors seeking unconventional and stimulating theatrical experiences. A significant anecdote concerns one of the theater’s most iconic productions, “Die Mutter” by Bertolt Brecht, directed by Benno Besson in 1963. This production, which used a combination of projections, live music, and mobile sets, became an emblematic example of GDR political theater and helped consolidate the Volksbühne’s international reputation. The ability of the Volksbühne to adapt and reinvent itself over the decades, while remaining true to its original mission of being a theater for the people, is what makes it a unique institution in the Berlin cultural landscape. Every visit to the Volksbühne is not just a theatrical experience, but an immersion in a history rich in changes, challenges, and artistic triumphs. The theater continues to be a place where art and politics meet, where the past and present constantly dialogue, and where every performance is an invitation to critically reflect on the world around us.