Maxim Gorki Theater

The Maxim Gorki Theater is one of Berlin's city theatres and is located in the heart of Berlin on the boulevard Unter den Linden. Under the artistic direction of Shermin Langhoff and Jens Hillje, the theatre has been performing works that address upheavals and transitions in society since the start of the current 2013-14 season. The new 17-member ensemble is bringing both classic and contemporary plays that address these themes to the stage.

The new identity of the house is also reflected in its new logo designed by Ezra Rotthoff: the Я [ja] in GOЯKI is both the last letter in the Russian alphabet and means "I" in Russian (and sounds like “yes” in German). This was chosen because the theatre seeks to affirm self-determination and self-discovery. Studio Я, the theatre's studio stage, and the Conflict Zone Arts Asylum collective have created an additional platform for discussion and creative processes under the leadership of resident writer Marianna Salzmann.

History and Architecture of the Maxim Gorki Theater

Under the plans of architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel, the Berlin Singakademie received its own concert hall along with the 1827 building. The oldest mixed Berliner choir concerts took place here up until the destruction of the building in the 2nd World War. Not until after the war was the classical building opened as a strait theatre venue.

Since 1952, contemporary theatre has been performed here under the name of Maxim Gorki. Initially, on the repertoire were mainly texts from Russian and Soviet Realism, but also the world premiere of Heiner Müller’s “Die Korrektur” and Alfred Matusche’s “Nacktes Gras”. With the passing of years, the Maxim Gorki Theatre increasingly claimed a stage programme that critically grapples with contemporary issues.