Volksbühne is a modern theatre situated in the city of Berlin in Germany and stands as a symbol of theatre of the country . This famous theatre has been established in 1914 and during the years the theatre has gathered great reputation for being the ground for avant-garde, new ideas and performances, plays and other kinds of productions. In this article, we will move through the history of Volksbühne, explore the architectural features, and discover the achievements of Volksbühne.
Conception and History
, Volksbühne literally meaning, “People’s Theatre” was established simply with the motive of providing an open opportunity for anybody who wanted to be an actor. The founder, besides standing for Meiningen, had a vision of its director Max Reinhardt who dreamt of creating a theatre where the working man and the play goer could meet and the evolving spirit of the early twentieth century democracy could be realized.
One thing stands out when considering Volksbühne: it has its roots in history. It developed at a tumultuous time in the sociopolitical scenario of Germany especially because the Weimar Republic only came to power a few years later. Volksbühne grew into a place utilizing the fair political methods openly addressing the pressing issues.
Through the years, the theater has made a significant contribution to the mainstream development of German theater; the theater always introduces innovation and differences. It has allowed some eccentric architects and has acted as a place for ideas to be shared.
The architectural wonder and special characteristics.
Someday, Volksbühne’s architectural design seems to be very special and especially attractive for modern city. The theatre is situated in a unique, dramatic-looking building which has to be said was constructed in the sphere of monumentalistic architecture in Berlin’s Mitte. Built by Oskar Kaufmann, the facade is influenced by Expression and the New Objectivity. Externally it has a severe, severe looking, angular look; internally it has magnificent spaces decorated by the use of; extensive use of the colors and geometric shapes.
The theater or more appropriately the main performance space at Volksbühne measures nearly 800 seats, which guarantees the viewers a personal dramatic encounter. In addition, the theater includes several subordinate stages and backstage areas that help to generate various performances and allow trying out different trends.
Activities of Art and Culture
Volksbühne had been involved in any art movements and more so in any cultural changes throughout its historic course. It has housed talents from all over the world, including great directors, actors and playwrights who have enriched the social theme to the arts.
Volksbühne has hosted many important performances which have made their lasting impressions on the theatre’s world. Outstanding productions comprise of “The Threepenny Opera” by Bertolt Brecht, exceptional reinterpretations by the German theatre director Frank Castorf and works with today’s artists.
Low Cost and Promotion Schemes
Originally established as an institution open for all, Volksbühne has always strived to give theatre to the people. It proved flexible on the pricing front and made a clear commitment to making sure that the price of tickets does not act as a barrier to good healthy theatre going.
Besides ticket prices, Volksbühne works on various outreach projects, state relations, and of course, theatres and workshops for young talents. These efforts are pursuing the goal of building theatre culture free from prejudice and producing the new generation of theatre professionals.
A Modern Platform for various types of arts
Although theater is the focal point of Volksbühne’s activity, the facility also provides an opportunity to expand the concepts of effective performance comprehensively, considering various art forms. In addition to breathtaking plays, festivals will feature spectacular ballet, modern dance, innovative experimental rock concerts, and New Mediaart exhibitions and performances.
This commitment to diversify its artistic offering therefore had the effect of making it possible to generate a vibrant and fascinating cultural calendar that would appeal to as diverse and varied a section of the population as possible.
Captivating Future Prospects
However, Volksbühne remains a very contemporary theatre still regarded as relevant to society today and seeking ways to meet today’s changing society and develop new language of theatre. Berlin has continued to have steady theatre going audience, and with the influx of different genre and type of theatres, all ages of people flood the theatres, both the traditional audience as well as the Generation that seeks for something different and unique.
If you are a professional theatre-going and if you are new in the theatre going Volksbühne gives a thrilling experience. Learn more about its history, discover its unique characteristics of architecture, and observe the inspiration that grew making Volksbühne an emblematic place in Berlin’s cultural life.
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