Karlsruhe: State Theater has been struggling with a lack of money for 50 years!

Karlsruhe: State Theater has been struggling with a lack of money for 50 years!

The city of Karlsruhe faces significant financial challenges resulting from a long history of lack of funds. This becomes particularly clear in the context of the Baden State Theater, whose construction and renovation were characterized by austerity constraints. When the theater was built in 1975, a planned studio stage was not realized for cost reasons. Instead, a rehearsal stage was created that had to meet the requirements as a temporary solution for 50 years, reports FAZ.

The director of the Baden State Theater, Christian Firmbach, is currently leading a tour of the diverse construction sites that shape the theater landscape. In the rooms that were previously intended for the studio stage, there are now markings on the floor to make orientation easier for the audience. Stagehands are busy adjusting spotlights and moving scenery. What is particularly worth mentioning is that the laced bottom is still missing today, which is largely due to the original austerity measures.

History of the Baden State Theater

The history of the State Theater is closely linked to the historical circumstances of the city. After the Second World War, a new building site was sought for the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe. Various locations such as the square of the concert hall and the area of ​​the old train station were considered. Ultimately, the decision fell on the area at the old train station, where construction began in 1970. On August 29, 1975, the theater was ceremoniously opened with the performance of Mozart's “Magic Flute”. Renovation of the Karlsruhe State Theater documented.

The previous building, Heinrich Hübsch's theater, was destroyed in a bomb attack on September 27, 1944. In between, from 1945 to 1975, the former municipal concert hall served as a temporary venue. The first tender for an architectural competition took place in 1958/59 and was won by Prof. Baumgarten, but his design was ultimately rejected because the building site was needed for the Federal Constitutional Court.

Challenges and perspectives

The financial bottlenecks of the city of Karlsruhe are not only reflected in the history of the theater, but also represent a central challenge for future cultural policy. While the city's citizens continue to rely on cultural offerings, the question remains open as to how sustainable solutions can ensure both the preservation and further development of the Baden State Theater.

The current production of “House of Trouble” will continue despite the obstacles, but the need for a comprehensive renovation of the theater is undisputed. The success of cultural life in Karlsruhe will largely depend on the city's financial support, which, as so often, reaches its limits when it comes to providing sufficient funds for cultural institutions.