Innsbrucker Kellertheater

The Innsbrucker Kellertheater is more than just a theater. It is a cultural institution that has been enriching the artistic scene of Innsbruck for over four decades. It is the oldest of the off-stages, a term that refers to independent theaters that operate outside the mainstream venues and offer alternative, innovative, and experimental forms of theater.

The Origins of the Off-Stages

The Innsbrucker Kellertheater was founded in 1979, in the wake of the social and cultural movements of the 1960s and 1970s. It was a time when young artists and activists sought to challenge the status quo and express their views on politics, society, and art. They found inspiration in the avant-garde theater of the 20th century, such as the Theater of the Absurd, the Epic Theater, and the Living Theater.

The Innsbrucker Kellertheater was not the first off-stage in Innsbruck. It was preceded by the Theater am Landhausplatz, which opened in 1974 and closed in 1980. The Theater am Landhausplatz was a pioneer in introducing contemporary and controversial plays to the local audience, such as those by Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, and Peter Handke. It also staged original works by local playwrights and actors, such as Peter Turrini, Wolfgang Bauer, and Felix Mitterer.

The history of these two off-stages, and their impact on the cultural life of Innsbruck, is documented in the book “Zwei Bühnen, acht Mal Kultur,” by the journalist and theater critic <your name>. The book, which will be published in 2021 in the Reihe Kulturorte, is based on interviews, archival materials, and personal memories of the people who were involved in the creation and development of the off-stages.

The Evolution of the Kellertheater

The Innsbrucker Kellertheater is located in the basement of a historic building at the Adolf-Pichler-Platz, in the center of the city. The theater has a capacity of 120 seats and a stage of 50 square meters. The theater is equipped with modern lighting and sound systems, as well as a bar and a foyer.

The Innsbrucker Kellertheater has undergone several changes in its artistic direction and programming over the years. It has always been a platform for new and emerging talents, as well as for established and renowned artists. It has hosted performances by national and international theater groups, such as the Schauspielhaus Graz, the Theater an der Wien, the Burgtheater Wien, the Théâtre de la Ville Paris, and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The Innsbrucker Kellertheater has also been a place for experimentation and innovation, exploring different genres and formats of theater, such as musicals, cabarets, improvisations, readings, and workshops. It has also been a place for dialogue and exchange, fostering collaborations and partnerships with other cultural institutions and organizations, such as the Tiroler Landestheater, the Tiroler Festspiele Erl, the Tiroler Kulturinitiativen, and the Tiroler Kulturservice.

Since 2009, the Innsbrucker Kellertheater has been directed and written by Manfred Schild, a theater director, actor, and author. Schild has brought a fresh and dynamic vision to the theater, balancing between entertainment and education, between comedy and drama, between tradition and innovation. He has also introduced new formats and themes to the theater, such as the Kellertheater Slam, the Kellertheater Krimi, and the Kellertheater Kinder.

The Appeal of the Kellertheater

The Innsbrucker Kellertheater attracts a loyal and diverse audience, ranging from students and young professionals to seniors and families. The theater offers a varied and high-quality program, featuring both classic and contemporary plays, as well as original and adapted works. The theater also offers affordable ticket prices, discounts, and subscriptions, making it accessible and appealing to everyone.

Innsbruck, Austria