From its humble origins as a grassroots people’s movement known as the “Freie Volksbühne”—which was founded on a shared vision of a stage for the people—the Volksbühne (established in 1914) has gone on to earn the reputation of being one of Germany’s most innovative contemporary theaters.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Frank Castorf assumed the post of director-general. Under his direction it grew to become one of the most successful—and certainly the most controversial—theaters in reunified Germany.

In early 2009 the interior of the building was extensively renovated: in addition to a new revolving and lifting stage, the upholstery and wood paneling in the auditorium was also renewed.

With its paradoxical objectives to be both elitist and populist, eccentric and appealing to the masses, the Volksbühne tears down the classical limits of the theater with whilst simultaneously confirming them in a reflective manner.