- The Ernst-Barlach Theater in Güstrow wins the prestigious German Federal Theatre Award
The Ernst-Barlach-Theater in Güstrow is among the victors of the Federal Theatre Prize 2024. The establishment clinched the title in the category of Private Theaters and Guest Playhouses, as announced by Culture State Minister Claudia Roth. As a consequence, they receive an award of 100,000 euros.
The theater's success can be attributed to its balance between traditional values and contemporary relevance, particularly as a guest playhouse in a region facing structural weaknesses and political challenges.
The theater's appeal extends to a wide range of audiences, from classical productions in both high and low German, to children's and youth theater, ballet, cabaret, and symphony concerts. The variety of offerings attracts a diverse crowd, cutting across various social groups.
Community Engagement and Education Initiatives
The jury was particularly impressed by the theater's recent endeavors to engage with the local free scene, such as collaborations in circus and dance. The theater's extensive community engagement initiatives, including artist talks, backstage tours, theater tours, workshops for children and youth, and teacher training programs, help the theater establish a strong presence in the city and region.
The Barlach Theater is the oldest preserved bourgeois theater in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Urgent Renovation Required
Intendant Johanna Sandberg commented, "This award isn't just recognition and support for our work, but it's also an important signal to the guest play industry and to all small and medium-sized theaters: Our work is being noticed."
Rostock district administrator Sebastian Constien (SPD) praised the theater's achievements, stating, "We are proud of what Johanna Sandberg and her team are accomplishing." According to the district, the theater is in urgent need of renovation, with initial works already underway.
Other Prize Recipients
The Schwankhalle in Bremen took home 200,000 euros as the winner of the Federal Theatre Prize for this year. Meanwhile, the Hessisches Landestheater Marburg and the FELD Theater for young audiences in Berlin each received 100,000 euros.
The Federal Theatre Prize is handed out by the commissioners of the Federal Government for Culture and Media. The awards ceremony will take place on October 2nd at a gala in the Haus der Berliner Festspiele.
The Ernst-Barlach-Theater's recognition extends beyond Germany, as they often participate in European Union-funded cultural exchanges and collaborations.
During their annual European Union cultural festival, various European theater companies are invited to perform and share their artistic perspectives, fostering a sense of unity and cultural exchange among different nations.
