Theaterpreis des Bundes 2019
Jury statement
“The Piccolo Theater in Cottbus is much bigger than its name suggests: founded in 1991 by director and musician Reinhard Drogla, it is the largest children’s and youth theater in Brandenburg and has had a modern new building in the middle of the city since 2011. Drama, dance and puppetry are performed in two venues with 127 and 70 seats respectively: political, approachable and always in tune with the times. Just last year, the far-right AfD targeted the award-winning production ‘KRG,’ which warns of the dangers of fascism. The party’s state parliamentary group leader Andreas Kablitz questioned the financial support of the theater and asked ‘how many plays with a decidedly topical social and/or political reference similar to the play “KRG” were performed at the Piccolo during this legislative period.’ Anyone familiar with the history of the Piccolo Theater knows that there are many and, given the political situation, there will be more to come – for a democratic, open and diverse Cottbus, for the freedom of art. Because that’s what the Piccolo Theater stands for, and that’s what the jury is honoring the team for.” – Jury statement