Berlin Theater

Theater listings, found on the yellow and blue posters in most U-Bahn stations, are available in the monthly pamphlets Kultur!news and Berlin Programm, as well as in 030, Zitty, and Tip. In addition to the world’s best German-language theater, Berlin also has a lively English-language scene; look for listings in Zitty or Tip that say “ in englischer Sprache ” (in English). A number of privately run companies called Off-Theaters also occasionally feature English-language plays. As with concert halls, virtually all theaters are closed in July and August (closings are indicated by the words Theaterferien or Sommerpause ).

Deutsches Theater, Schumannstr. 13a (☎030 28 44 12 25;www.deutschestheater.de). U6, S1, S2, S5, S7, S9, S25, or S75 to “Friedrichstr.” Even western Berlin admits it: this is the best theater in Germany. The Kammerspiele stages smaller, provocative productions. Box office open Jun. 30-Aug. 5 M-F 1-7pm and Aug. 6-Jun. 29 M-Sa 11am-6:30pm, Su 3pm-6:30pm. Tickets for Deutsches Theater €5-43, for Kammerspiel €14-30; students €6-10.
Hebbel-Theater, Stresemannstr. 29 (☎030 25 90 04 27; www.hebbel-theater.de). U1, U6, or U15 to “Hallesches Tor.” The most avant of the avant-garde theaters in Berlin, drawing innovative talent from all over the world. Order tickets from the box office (open daily noon-7pm) on Stresemannstr., or by phone daily 4-7pm, or show up 1hr. before shows. Tickets €11-18, students €7.
Berliner Ensemble, Bertolt-Brecht-Pl. 1 (☎030 28 40 81 55; www.berliner-ensemble.de). U6 or S1, S2, S5, S7, S9, S25, or S75 to “Friedrichstr.” The theater established by Brecht is enjoying a renaissance under the eye of Claus Peymann. Hip repertoire with Heiner Müller, young American playwrights, and Brecht. Box office open M-F 8am-6pm, Sa-Su 11am-6pm, and 1hr. before shows. Tickets €2-30, students €7.
Maxim-Gorki-Theater, Am Festungsgraben 2 (☎030 20 22 11 15; www.gorki.de). U6, S1, S2, S5, S7, S9, S25, or S75 to “Friedrichstr.,” or bus #100, 157, or 348 to “Deutsche Staatsoper.” Contemporary theater with a wide repertoire. Box office open M-Sa noon-6:30pm, Su 4-6:30pm, and 1hr. before shows. Tickets €10-30, students €9.
Die Distel, Friedrichstr. 101 (☎030 204 4704; www.distel-berlin.de). U6, S1, S2, S5, S7, S9, S25, or S75 to “Friedrichstr.” During DDR days, this cabaret was renowned for political satire. As popular as ever, the shows feature lots of snappy dialogue and German slang, making it hard for non-speakers to follow. Box office open M-F noon-6pm and 2hr. before performances. Tickets €13-27; students 25% off 2hr. before Su-Th performances (excluding premieres).
English Theater Berlin, Fidicinstr. 40 (☎030 691 1211; www.etberlin.de). U6 to “Pl. der Luftbrücke.” This smaller, less well-funded stage produces new, experimental works and old favorites like Samuel Beckett and Tennessee Williams. Box office opens 1hr. prior to showtime. Most shows at 8pm. Tickets €8-15.
Volksbühne, Am Rosa-Luxemburg-Pl. (☎030 24 06 55; www.volksbuehne-berlin.de). U2 to “Rosa-Luxemburg-Pl.” High on shock value, low on name recognition. Box office open daily noon-6pm. Tickets €10-30, students €6-15. The Volksbühne also features 2 nightclubs for the proletariat: the Roter Salon and Grüner Salon. Ask permission to eat downstairs with the actors in the Cantina .