The English Theatre

The English Theatre was founded in 1979 in Frankfurt am Main and has become the largest English-speaking theatre in continental Europe. In 2003 the theatre moved to the “Galileo Tower” in the heart of the city. With its state-of-the-art setting the English Theatre can be classed as one of the most modern theatres in Germany.

It plays a pivotal role in the cultural life of Frankfurt, a city with the largest proportional international community in Germany. The Theatre has become an important landmark for the Frankfurt-Rhein-Main region, due to its consistent, high-quality standards, international flair and function as a meeting point for people of all nationalities. The Hessen government have referred to it as a beacon for the whole region. The English Theatre stands for educational and linguistic competence, and for the cultural exchange between the German and English-speaking cultures. It is a place where the Arts are at home. A theatre for all, but also a place of literature (readings), educational art (exhibitions) and music (events).

Outside of its linguistic competence, the English Theatre has taken on the role of bringing the world of theatre closer to the younger generation. The aim is to help them become theatre-enthusiasts. It is an all too common belief that theatre is something reserved for “others” or “the older generation”. With its Drama Club, a theatre school for young people, where they work on their own specially-produced plays, the younger generation can get to know and enjoy theatre culture.

The English Theatre produces at least six plays per season. This includes classics, comedies, thrillers, contemporary plays and musicals. The casting and rehearsal of the theatre's own productions are held in London.

The Theatre’s auditorium seats 300 and makes use of the latest audio-visual technical equipment. The adjacent bar, James, has two floors equipped with cosy but contemporary furniture, which underlines the unique atmosphere of the theatre itself.

History

1979 - Frankfurt’s first English-language theatre is founded in Sachsenhausen by Kevin Oakes from South Africa and Jon Johnson, Mary Jackson and Ken Elrod from the United States. Kevin Oakes becomes the theatre’s artistic director. The ensemble is called “cardboard clowns.”

1980 - Judith Rosenbauer joins the ensemble as an actress and later on becomes its managing director. Shortly thereafter the ensemble disbands. Judith Rosenbauer, Darryl Lockwood and Keith LeFevre continue its activities under the name “Café Theater.”

1981 - The theatre moves from Sachsenhausen into a larger space in the Hamburger Allee and is now called “English Theater Frankfurt, Café Theater.”

1990 - Thanks to its growing popularity under Judith Rosenbauer’s direction, the theatre again relocates and is now housed in a 230-seat facility in Frankfurt’s famous Kaiserstraße.

2001 - The Kaiserstrasse is now too small for the English Theatre’s growing programme. Thanks to Judith Rosenbauer’s initiative and Dr. von Harbou’s far-sighted vision, the Dresdner Bank agrees to include a playhouse in its new Galileo skyscraper. Unfortunately, as a result of economic difficulties, the “English Theater e. V.” must close its doors. Judith Rosenbauer terminates her involvement with the English Theatre.

2002 - To keep the tradition of English-language theatre in Frankfurt alive, The English Theatre, a limited charity, is founded. Daniel John Nicolai becomes artistic and executive director of the new organization, which begins co-producing with other theatres in Vienna, Los Angeles and New Jersey.

2003 - The English Theatre GmbH moves into its new, state-of-the-art, 300-seat home, sponsored by the Dresdner Bank. The theatre is now the largest English-language theatre on the European continent.

Productions

The English Theatre was founded in 1979. Unfortunately, owing to the loss of productions materials, our archive is only available from 1981.

References

• Theatre History with much archive material

External links

• Official Site

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