Volksbühne under Lilienthal: Swimming pool instead of just a stage

Matthias Lilienthal is taking over the Volksbühne during a phase of reorientation. Following the sudden death of René Pollesch, the artistic director is returning to the house, which he already led from 2007 to 2013. According to Tagesspiegel, Lilienthal wants to set new impulses together with his team.

The most striking project is the so-called "Volksbad": A 25-meter swimming pool is to be built directly in front of the Volksbühne. According to RBB, the pool is to be accessible free of charge and without ID requirements – a deliberate break with classical theatre conventions. Lilienthal understands the swimming pool as an extension of the audience space, not as competition to the theatre operations.

Artistic reorientation and ensemble expansion

Die Zeit documents that parallel to the infrastructure initiative, the artistic ensemble is also growing: Actress Julia Riedler is joining the ensemble. In addition, productions by Kurdwin Ayub and Florentina Holzinger are planned – both artists stand for experimental, body-focused working methods.

Lilienthal's strategy thus combines three levels: physical opening of the venue through the swimming pool, artistic continuity through established and new directors, and a new interpretation of what "Volksbühne" means in the 21st century. The project signals that the house should not only function as a performance venue, but as a social space – an approach that builds on the founding idea of the house while at the same time being radically rethought.