Freilichtbühne Mülheim an der Ruhr

Hidden away in the lush greenery of Mülheim an der Ruhr, the Freilichtbühne Mülheim an der Ruhr is a remarkable open-air theater that has been enchanting audiences since its inauguration in 1936. Nestled just a few hundred meters south of the historic Kirchenhügel, this theater is one of the largest natural stages in Germany, boasting a seating capacity of 2,000. Its location in a former quarry, adjacent to the Altstadtfriedhof, adds a unique charm to this cultural gem, making it the most significant open-air venue in the Rhine-Ruhr region.

A Glimpse into History

The story of the Freilichtbühne began in the early 1930s when Fritz Keßler, the director of the municipal gardening office, sought to transform the abandoned Döringsche quarry into a green space rather than a dumping ground for construction debris and household waste. Amidst the economic constraints of the Great Depression, Keßler envisioned a park, but the city’s budget was insufficient to realize his dream. The project eventually took off as a labor creation measure with the help of the Voluntary Labor Service, significantly reducing the cost from the originally estimated 29,800 Reichsmark to just 14,100 RM.

Despite initial setbacks, including the cessation of state funding in May 1933, Keßler's determination saw the completion of the pathways by municipal welfare recipients, who received additional support for their efforts. That same year, the construction of the green spaces continued, now expanded to include the creation of an open-air stage. Contributions from the Friedrich Wilhelms-Hütte, which donated 400 sacks of cement, the RWW, which laid a water pipeline, and the woodworking talents of the municipal gardening office, led by Chief Planner Erich Schulzke, were instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.

On a balmy Sunday evening, June 28, 1936, the Freilichtbühne was officially opened with a performance of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The event was a resounding success, with the demand for tickets far exceeding the nearly 3,000 available seats, prompting an encore performance the following evening. However, the outbreak of war in 1939 halted the theater’s activities, leaving behind scars of conflict. A bunker carved into the rock provided refuge for locals and served as a hospital for the Evangelical Hospital. The wooden benches of the theater were dismantled by the struggling population for firewood.

In the post-war years, the Freilichtbühne slowly recovered. The grand reopening on June 30, 1954, featured Bizet's opera Carmen, sparking a vibrant period of cultural activity from 1954 to 1965, with a total of 56 opera, operetta, and play performances. However, the theater eventually fell silent again. It wasn’t until the summer of 1971, when the Karl May Festival took place, that the theater briefly awakened with the play The Secret of Bonanza, before slipping back into dormancy.

The Revival and Modern Era

The turn of the millennium marked a new chapter for the Freilichtbühne. In 2000, after extensive discussions among the newly founded Friends of the Europa-Freilichtbühne Mülheim, the city, and other cultural institutions, a decision was made to transform the venue into a multifaceted performance space catering to audiences of all ages. The theater’s repertoire now spans pop, jazz, classical music, theater, and comedy, thanks to the efforts of the Regler Produktion association, which joined in 2003 and has since been responsible for numerous events on the smaller stage.

Significant improvements to the infrastructure in 2006, including the addition of a permanent catering facility and enhancements to the smaller stage, prepared the theater for the season. The 2006 FIFA World Cup events at the Freilichtbühne drew in a larger audience, showcasing the venue’s potential. The following year, the Regler Produktion intensified their efforts with the Sunset Folks series, which offered free acoustic performances every Wednesday, made possible by around 12 dedicated volunteers. The small profits from catering and sponsorships were reinvested into stage, lighting, and equipment improvements, with the bands receiving their fees through voluntary audience donations.

The year 2008 was a breakthrough for Sunset Folks, attracting approximately 10,000 visitors. Further collaborations with the Friends of the Freilichtbühne Mülheim association and other cultural organizations expanded the scope of events. Despite financial constraints preventing the use of the large stage, the smaller stage continued to thrive.

In 2009, the main operator’s name was changed to Friends of the Freilichtbühne Mülheim an der Ruhr e. V. The Regler Produktion, now a non-profit organization, continued to develop the Culture from the Hat concept, creating new event brands and strengthening partnerships with other cultural entities. Since 2012, the Regler Produktion has been part of the Mülheimer Ruhrsummer event organizer group, alongside the Mülheimer Kulturbetrieb, Theater an der Ruhr, Ringlokschuppen, and the Office for Children, Youth, and Schools.

Today, the Freilichtbühne Mülheim an der Ruhr stands as a testament to the community’s resilience and love for the arts. Its rich history and vibrant present make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the magic of open-air performances in a stunning natural setting.