Hans Otto Theater Potsdam

Hans Otto Theater Potsdam puts the entire world of theatre on stage: great classics, modern experiments, and engaging children's theatre. It also offers musical performances, guest performances, and readings.

Venues

The Neues Theater am Seeufer, opened in 2006, is the ensemble's current home. The striking building with the shell-shaped roof has lovely views of the Tiefer See from its glass-enclosed foyer. The Hans Otto Theater also performs in the city's historic Reithalle venue, which is now used for experimental ideas and forms of theatre. The nachtboulevard series also takes place in the Reithalle, featuring nights devoted to art and literature, new drama and cultural discussions, film, music, and even the occasional party. Each summer, the Gasometer at the Neues Theater becomes an open-air stage for witty summer fare.

History of the Hans Otto Theater

Even if the buildings are fairly new, the company's history goes back much further. In 1946, shortly after the war, the Brandenburg State Theatre was founded in Potsdam and renamed after actor Hans Otto a decade later. Otto had been persecuted and eventually murdered by the Nazi regime as a communist and trade unionist. However, the planned reconstruction of Potsdam's city centre and the theater were much delayed. After unification in 1990, the shell of the building was demolished because it was decided to rebuild the former Potsdam city palace as a new home for the Brandenburg state legislature. The company moved to a temporary building where it remained for the next fourteen years.

Fun and games for all ages

A special emphasis in the programme are its pieces for children and adolescents. A third of its performances are fairy tales, a youth drama, or a popular picture book brought to life on the stage. The youth club HOT also offers workshops and trips to the theatre for the next generation.

Arrival by bus and train

The theatre also offers a special service for everyone travelling by public transport with a digital display of the next departures.

Parking

Audiences can park in the car park on Schiffbauergasse for €3 (Mon-Fri from 6 pm, Sat/Sun from 2 pm) with a special "Culture Ticket".

 

Opening hours