THEATER IN BERLIN
The pamphlets Kultur.’news, Berlin Programm, 030, Zitty, and Tip have theater listings. In addition to the world’s best German-language theater, Berlin also has a lively English-language scene. A number of private companies called off-theaters also occasionally feature English-language plays. As with concert halls, look out for summer closings (Theaterferien or Sommerpause).
11 Deutsches Theater, Schumannstr. 13a (28 44 12 25; www.deutsches-theater.ber-lin.net). U6: Friedrichstr. Go north on Friedrichstr. turn left on Reinhardtstr. and then right on Albrechtstr. which curves into Schumannstr. Even western Berlin admits it: this is the best theater in Germany. Max Reinhardt made it great 100 years ago; it now has innovative takes on classics and newer works from Buchner to Mamet to Ibsen. The Kammerspiel ( 28 44 12 26) stages smaller, provocative productions. Tickets ‚4-36, students ‚8. Box office for both open M-Sa llam-6:30pm, Su 3-6:30pm.
Hebbel-Theater, Stresemannstr. 29 (25 90 04 27). Ul: Hallesches Tor. The most avant of the avant-garde theaters in Berlin draws talent from all over the world. Committed to producing in the original language, this venue brings in the playwrights to collaborate with the actors. Tickets ‚11-23, students ‚11. Box office open daily 4-7pm.
Berliner Ensemble, Bertolt-Brecht-PI. 1 (28 40 81 55). U6: Friedrichstr. The famous theater established by Brecht is undergoing a renaissance under the leadership of Claus Peymann. Hip repertoire includes Heiner Muller, young American playwrights, and Brecht himself. Some premieres. Performances Sept.-June. Tickets ‚6-24, students ‚5. Box office open M-F 8am-6pm, Sa-Su llam-6pm, and lhr. before performance.
Maxim-Gorki-Theater, Am Festungsgraben 1 (20 22 10). U6: Friedrichstr. Excellent contemporary theater-everything from Schiller to Albee. Tickets ‚8-26. Box office open M-Sa noon-6:30pm, Su 4-6:30pm and lhr. before performance.
Friends of Italian Opera, Fidicinstr. 40 (691 12 11). U6: PI. der Luftbrucke. The name of Berlin’s leading English-language theater is a joking reference to the mafia in Some Like It Hot. A smaller, less subsidized venue, this stage still produces new, experimental works and old favorites like Samuel Beckett and Tennessee Williams. Tickets ‚8-15. Box office opens at 7pm. Most shows at 8pm.
