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A world-class theatre festival featuring the stars of tomorrow
Every year in May, Berlin hosts Theatertreffen, an event that showcases the very best of German-language theatre while fostering dialogue and collaboration among artists and audiences alike. This prestigious festival selects ten outstanding productions from hundreds across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, offering a unique platform for creative performances, insightful discussions and critical reflection on the role of theatre in society.
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Berlin Theatertreffen at a glance
As a showcase for top-tier theatre, Theatertreffen provides a space for ideas about art, society and politics to converge. Each year, a jury of critics reviews up to 600 productions, narrowing them down to the ten most remarkable. These productions take the stage in Berlin, sparking conversations around aesthetic trends, cultural issues and theatre's role in addressing social challenges.
In addition to the performances, Theatertreffen proposes various activities designed to inspire thought and debate. The International Forum brings artists from around the world together to explore new ideas in theatre, while the Theatertreffen blog, led by up-and-coming arts journalists, provides critical coverage and fresh perspectives on the festival.
Additionally, the Forum Ecological Sustainability encourages theatres to adopt more sustainable practices, making it clear that theatre is not just an art form but a space for social change.
Theatertreffen: Berlin theatre festival highlights
- Award ceremonies: Several prizes are awarded each year by different juries. These include the Berlin Theatre Prize for outstanding achievements, the Alfred Kerr Actor Prize for special performances by up-and-coming actors and the 3sat Prize for innovative artistic achievements.
- Open Campus: A networking platform for students and young professionals to engage with leading figures in theatre.
- International Forum: A global meeting point for artists to exchange ideas and foster creativity.
- Burning Issues Conference: An annual series of discussions on pressing challenges in the theatre world, from diversity to sustainability.
- Site-specific performances: Productions are uniquely tailored to the locations where they are staged, making the city itself a stage.
Discover Berlin Theatertreffen
For decades, Theatertreffen has been a driving force in German-language theatre, fostering collaboration and innovation. What began in 1964 as an initiative to bring together isolated theatres in post-war Germany has now become an international hotspot for artistic exchange.
The festival has a long history of supporting emerging talent. Many directors launched their careers at Theatertreffen. Over the decades, it has evolved to include not only traditional theatre but also collective theatre forms. This diverse programme encourages audiences to think beyond the boundaries of conventional theatre, exploring new narratives and artistic techniques.
Top tips for Berlin Theatertreffen
- The ten selected productions are highly anticipated, and tickets sell out fast. Booking ahead is essential and can be done online on the website of the Haus der Berliner Festspiele.
- In addition to the performances, Theatertreffen hosts free talks and lectures during the day that provide deeper insights into the productions and current affairs.
- The main venue, Haus der Berliner Festspiele, offers wheelchair seating and other amenities. Contact the other venues for accessibility details.
- Berlin's excellent public transport system makes getting to the festival easy. Take the underground to Spichernstraße or the bus to Schaperstraße.
