Theater Bielefeld (Stadttheater Bielefeld) has been at the forefront of the city’s performing arts scene since its inauguration in 1904. This popular venue for cultural events is a handsome stone building that features a façade decorated with balustrades, friezes and sculpted ecclesiastical characters. Purchase tickets for a show, which could be an adaptation of a Shakespearean play, contemporary dance or philharmonic concert.
The idea for the theater began in 1885, when the widow of a local tobacco merchant donated funds to the city for the building of a performance center. City officials went ahead with the project but only after gathering one third of the costs from public contributions. During World War II the theater was used as a base by the Wehrmacht and also operated as an emergency shelter for the fire brigade. British bomb raids severely damaged the building in the 1940s and it underwent major renovations in the early 2000s.
Take your seat in the auditorium and prepare to be entertained by groups of passionate actors, dancers and singers. Previous events include Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Verdi’s Otello. Interpretations of well-known works of literature, such as George Orwell’s 1984, are also common.
Pay particular attention to the lighting, sound and stage props. Everything is possible thanks to a team of around 350 employees. They help to produce over 600 shows per season at this and other city theaters.
Find the theater at the eastern edge of the Old Town. It is adjacent to the Old Town Hall, a striking landmark that blends Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architectural designs. Streetcars stop in front of the theater and the city’s central train station is a 10-minute walk to the north.
Visit the official website of Theater Bielefeld for an up-to-date schedule and ticketing information. Buy tickets online or at the box office.
