Die Tonne
Creators: name: André, Alf
name: Geiselhart, Anton
Publisher: name: DARIAH-DE
Year: 2023
Subjects: Theatre Group
Germany
Reutlingen

description: Die Tonne is a prominent cultural center and theater located in Reutlingen, a city in the southwestern German state of Baden-Württemberg. Established in the late 1950s, it occupies a unique venue, a former grain silo that has been ingeniously transformed into a performance space with a seating capacity exceeding 220. Since 2005, Die Tonne has been at the forefront of continuous theater work involving individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, since 2012, it has pioneered a distinctive model for creating artistic opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The origins of Die Tonne trace back to October 1958 when Anton Geiselhart, an art painter and entrepreneur, at the suggestion of his friend HAP Grieshaber, made the vaulted cellar of his residence available to actor Alf André for “theatrical performances.” This endeavor, which alternated with innovative art exhibitions at Galerie 5, was driven not by a specific passion for theater but by a spirit of experimentation, a penchant for provocation, and a desire to challenge the complacency of Reutlingen’s affluent society. The concept officially materialized as a theater with the premiere of Arthur Adamov’s play The Rendezvous on October 31, 1958.
As time passed, the undeniable artistic quality and growing audience acclaim propelled Die Tonne into a more permanent existence. Subsequently, Reutlingen renovated the medieval T-shaped vault beneath the late Gothic Spitalhof, converting it into a dedicated theater space. In the 1980s, Die Tonne relocated to a new venue known as Tonnekeller within the Spitalhof Theatre in the city center, providing the theater with its exclusive premises for the first time.
2018 Die Tonne unveiled a new building at Jahnstraße 6, marking the city’s first theater building. On January 25, 2018, they premiered an original play in this new space: From Weimar to Merkel by Heiner Kondschak. This modern and functional facility boasts excellent production conditions with two stages, both offering barrier-free access, including the backstage area:
- Tonne ➊ with a capacity for 194 spectators.
- Tonne ➋, which serves as a second rehearsal stage, accommodating up to 100 spectators.
Enrico Urbanek has been the artistic director of Die Tonne since 2001, and his guiding motto is: “My task is to make art possible, accessible to many people, and, at the same time, to continually question it.”
In 1972, Die Tonne transitioned from a sponsoring association (Förderverein) to an operating association (Betriebsverein), incorporating representatives from the city and the district on the board of directors and board of trustees. This shift reflected the theater’s increasing public responsibility, ensuring financial security through support from the city of Reutlingen and private patrons. In March 2003, Die Tonne transformed its business structure into a GmbH (limited liability company).
Die Tonne serves as a dynamic cultural hub, hosting various events, including theater performances, concerts, cabaret shows, and literary readings. The program encompasses national and international artists, as well as emerging talents. Beyond the main performance space, the theater features a bar and café area, fostering social interactions before and after shows.
Die Tonne is renowned for its innovative programming and intimate atmosphere, creating a sense of closeness between the audience and the performers. The theater has earned numerous awards and accolades, recognizing its significant contributions to Reutlingen’s cultural landscape and the surrounding region:
- In 1996, Die Tonne received the “Prize for Cultural Promotion” from Reutlingen, commending its innovative programming and enriching impact on local cultural life.
- In 2004, the theater was honored with the “European Prize for Urban Public Space” for its creative repurposing of a former grain silo into a vibrant cultural center and performance venue.
- In 2011, Die Tonne was presented with the “Innovative Theatre Prize” by the German Association of Independent Performing Arts (Bundesverband Freier Theatre) in recognition of its unwavering support for emerging talent and the promotion of innovative works.
- In 2013, the European Union awarded the theater the “Pro Europa” accolade, acknowledging its dedication to cultural exchange and collaboration across national borders.
These awards and recognitions underscore Die Tonne’s pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange, innovation, and accessibility within the performing arts.
Die Tonne is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all community members, including those with disabilities. The theater has implemented various measures to ensure that its performances and events are accessible to everyone. These initiatives include wheelchair-accessible seating, audio descriptions, and sign language interpretation for selected performances. Die Tonne also organizes special events and workshops tailored for individuals with disabilities, such as theater workshops designed for those with hearing impairments. Furthermore, Die Tonne actively participates in various community projects to promote accessibility and inclusion, including collaborations with local schools to provide workshops and performances that raise awareness about disabilities and advocate for inclusivity.
Since its establishment in 1985, Die Tonne has presented diverse theater productions. Here are a few examples of shows based on classical adaptations that the theater has showcased:
- Die Dreigroschenoper by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill
- Hamlet by William Shakespeare
- Das Wintermärchen by William Shakespeare
- Kasimir und Karoline by Ödön von Horváth
- Woyzeck by Georg Büchner
- Die Physiker by Friedrich Dürrenmatt
- Der Revisor by Nikolai Gogol
- Die Verwandlung by Franz Kafka
- Tod eines Handlungsreisenden by Arthur Miller
- Jenseits von Eden, based on the novel by John Steinbeck
In addition to traditional theater productions, Die Tonne offers a platform for various forms of performance art, including musical concerts, cabaret shows, and literary readings. The theater’s reputation is built on its commitment to showcasing innovative and experimental works while nurturing emerging talent.