Berlin Theater

English Theater Berlin, Fidicinstr. 40 (www.etberlin.de), For over 20 years Berlin's only all English-language theater has been defying German-language totalitarianism with everything from 10-minute short festivals to full length productions. Leave your umlauts at home. U6: Pl. der Luftbrücke. €14, students €8. Box office opens 1hr. before show time. Shows are at 8pm unless otherwise noted. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.
Deutsches Theater, Schumann Straße 13a (www.deutschestheater.de), Built in 1850, this world-famous theater that legendary director Max Reinhardt once controlled is still a cultural heavy hitter in Berlin. Performances tend to be in German, and they tend to change frequently, so check the website for details. U6: Oranienburger Tor. From the U-bahn, head south on Friederichstraße, take a right on Reinhartße and another right on Albrecthstr. €5-30. Box office open M-Sa 11am-6:30pm, Su 3-6:30pm. Shows are at 8pm unless otherwise noted. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.
Volks Bühne, Linienstraße 227 (www.volksbuehne-berlin.de), Recently re-opened after a renovation, this imposing theater that looks straight from a Utopian sci-fi thriller delivers on its promise of “art for the people.” While the enormous stage goes quiet during the summer, from Septemner to May it is alive with concerts, theatrical shows in German and English, and touring performances and festivals. Before and after the shows, crowds gather in the beautiful plaza to smoke and talk. U2: Rosa-Luxemburg-Pl. Tickets €6-30. Students get 50% discount. Box office open daily noon-6pm and 1hr. before performances. Shows are at 8pm unless otherwise noted. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Berliner Ensemble, Bertolt-Brecht-Pl. 1 (www.berliner-ensemble.de), The theater, established by Brecht, is enjoying a renaissance under the leadership of Claus Peymann. Hip repertoire with the like of Heiner Müller, young playwrights, and Brecht. Some of the plays are in English. U6 or S1, S2, S5, S7, S9, S25, or S75: Friedrichstr. Tickets €2-30; students €7. Box office open M-F 8am-6pm, Sa-Su 11am-6pm, and 1hr. before shows.