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Berlin has been an extremely creative capital ever since the 1920s when the liberal spirit of the Weimar Republic allowed it to give birth to more literary masterpieces, plays, musical performances, and even films (at the film studio in neighboring Babelsberg) than at perhaps any other time in German history.
The creative spirit has continued to flourish and, thanks to Berlin’s relatively cheap standard of living and high government subsidies for the arts, the city still offers an atmosphere like no other for those looking to be creative—and for those looking to enjoy their creations.
With four opera houses, an endless number of theaters, and cinemas both big and small, Berlin has something to offer the performing arts aficionado almost every day of the week. It’s just a matter of knowing where to find what interests you.
The Volksbühne is unsurpassed for its aggressively experimental style, and the 824 seats are often sold out. The unusual building was reconstructed in the 1950s using the original 1914 plans. It also houses two smaller performance spaces—the Roter Salon and the Grüner Salon—which host everything from retro Motown nights and salsa classes for all levels to touring pop and rock acts.
The excellent Berliner Ensemble is dedicated to Brecht and works of other international playwrights.
The theater most renowned for both its modern and classical productions is the Deutsches Theater.
The English Theatre presents dramas and comedies in English as well as hosting independent productions, concerts, events, and comedies for Berlin's international community.
For children's theater, head to the world-famous Grips Theater, whose musical hit Linie 1, about life in Berlin viewed through the subway, is just as appealing for adults.
The rebellious actors at the Schaubühne am Lehniner Platz, once the city's most experimental stage, have mellowed somewhat but still put on great performances, frequently with English and French subtitles. Their regular, avant-garde stagings of well-known Shakespeare plays provide a wonderful opportunity to enjoy German theater, even if you don't know a word of German. (You can always brush up on the story beforehand and follow along with your own English text.)
