Jury statement

The Ernst-Barlach-Theater has been in Güstrow for 200 years and is the oldest preserved community theater in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Today it acts as a venue for guest performances in a structurally weak region with political challenges and, through its alternative cultural offerings, impresses with the way its program finds a balance between tradition and a more contemporary orientation. With a remarkable range of classical drama productions (in High and Low German), children’s and youth theater, ballet, cabaret and symphony concerts, the theater reaches a large number of visitors across all social groups. The newly initiated opening of the program for performative approaches and to the independent scene through cooperation projects in the field of contemporary circus and dance particularly impressed the jury. With extensive participatory encounters and educational offers, such as artist talks to convey different working methods and directorial styles, rehearsal visits, theater tours, workshops for children and young people and further training for teachers, the theater is exemplary in the way it anchors itself in the city and across the region. This is where the foundations are laid for creative cooperation, where senses are sharpened, democratic structures are learned and respectful interaction is practiced. With its work, the Ernst-Barlach-Theater sets a courageous example for cultural participation, tolerance and education and makes an indispensable contribution to strengthening society by promoting an open, enlightened dialog. And for this it receives the Theaterpreises des Bundes 2024 in the category Private Theaters & Theaters Hosting Guest Performances.