Curtains up!

There is more to theatre in Cologne than merely the municipal playhouse Schauspiel Köln. Different to many other German cities, Cologne can boast an enormously large and diverse off-theatre scene consisting of a great many of often tiny theatre houses as well as a myriad of free theatre, performance and dance companies. However, presenting all these houses and collectives in detail would go well beyond the constraints of this article. Luckily, each year there is a good number of festivals and other occasions that showcase the extraordinary creative output of a vibrant local scene scene just as much as that of guests from all over Germany and abroad. Among these, I have selected five events for you that I deem especially worth attending and that I’d like to introduce in greater detail in the following.

In the course of its sixteen-year history, Sommerblut (summer blood) Festival has been able to broaden and diversify its programme with every edition. Last year, an astonishing number of 80 events and performances were presented in 35 different locations all across Cologne. Every year, the festival of multipolar culture features extraordinary theatre and performance projects just as much as music and dance events, readings and exhibitions under a single guiding motto (2017: rush). Moreover, exploring new and unconventional locations for performances as well as collaborating with socially weak or disabled people has always been part of the festival’s concept. For everyone in search of theatre experiences apart from an established art mainstream Sommerblut is a true insider tip!

Dates: 06 till 21 May 2017
Address: Various locations
Web: www.sommerblut.de

Already since 1987, Cologne’s university theatre studiobühneköln hosts a one-week bi-national theatre festival. Each year selected theatre, dance and performance productions just as much as various experimental formats by companies hailing from changing European guest nations and all over Germany are put on stage. This festival is thus the ideal opportunity for providing you with an overview of current trends on Europe’s rich off-theatre scene. Workshops offered by participating artists as well as discussions after each performance round up the programme and offer plenty of room for exchange and participation. After each long and intense day of theatre, everyone gathers in the relaxed-idyllic atmosphere of the theatre’s own garden. Just as during the festival’s first edition, thirty years ago, this year’s guest nation will be Poland. Looking forward!

Dates: 03 till 10 June 2017
Address: studiobühneköln, Universitätsstraße 16a, 50937 Cologne
Web: studiobuehnekoeln.de

Each year on the eve of German Unity Day (2 October), a true marathon of performances starts off in the many playhouses of Cologne’s off-scene. Hence, this is the ideal day for getting to know Cologne’s theatre landscape in all its breaths and diversity. On that special night, round about 40 theatres and cabarets all across Cologne present excerpts from their current programmes or sometimes even special shows and performances.

Ranging from classical to experimental theatre, from children’s theatre to cabaret and comedy – there is an awful lot to discover and experience during that one night. Everyone planning to see as much as he or she can should thus carefully plan his or her route or simply join one of 23 guided tours. Special shuttle buses will bring you to your desired location at a fast pace. And if you’re still up for more spectacle after the theatre programme has ended around midnight, various theatre night parties invite you to dance until the morning breaks. A night to rewind!

Dates: 02 October 2017
Address: Various locations
Web: www.theaternacht.de

Each November students and graduates of various Cologne acting schools take over Kunsthaus Rhenania, a large studio building in Cologne’s Rheinauhafen area, in order to lead visitors into a maze of countless rooms with each of them bearing a new theatrical scenario. Sometimes classical, sometimes musical and sometimes also installation-based – every room catapults you into a new setting with its very own atmosphere and rules. An individual route map determines which floor you go each half-hour; there, you may decide between entering at least two rooms, each with its own show waiting for you. In the end, a collective performance of all actors and visitors wraps up the evening. A clever concept as well as the great number of actors involved turn Room Service into a truly outstanding and above all highly diverse theatre experience!
Tip: Quodonien, a similar format created by the same producers, takes place each summer in Cologne’s cultural biotope Odonien.

Dates: November 2017
Address: Kunsthaus Rhenania, Bayenstraße 28, 50678 Cologne
Web: www.bodyincrisis.com  |  www.facebook.com/bodyincrisis

For three days each January, studiobühneköln turns into a large showcase for up-and-coming artists from all strands of the performing arts. No matter if theatre, performance, dance, music, reading, artistry, comedy or film screenings – for exactly 15 minutes young artists and companies from Cologne and the whole region put up their show. This festival thus promises an enormously diverse encounter with the sparking creativity of a young and vibrant scene. As the entry is free on all days and space limited, one should come by as early as possible in order to avoid long times of waiting. But even if one doesn’t make it to one of the performances starting every half-hour on time or if one simply wants to take a break, the theatre’s café offers plenty of room for a good chill-out with drinks and snacks.

Dates: January 2018
Address: studiobühneköln, Universitätsstraße 16a, 50937 Cologne
Web: studiobuehnekoeln.de/fuenfzehnminuten

For further information on current performances as well as on theatres and companies of Cologne’s off-scene check out: www.theater.koeln