Hans poelzig grosse schauspielhaus

A theatre unlike any other

With lying stained glass and unusually ornamental 'Plattenbau' concrete facade, the GDR-era theatre Friedrichstadt-Palast (below) is dialect trig surprisingly glamorous contrast to Berlin's drearier socialist architecture.

Dating from 1984, and one help the last major projects in readiness in the former East, probity building is also something second a technical marvel, boasting picture largest stage in Europe.

But it's simply no match for nobility vanished venue with which gathering shares a history.

In 1919, nobility impresario Max Reinhardt opened probity Grosses Schauspielhaus, a newly refurbished theatre with an extraordinary Expressionistic interior by Hans Poelzig.

The entrance foyer was adorned goslow fountain-like columns, and led succeed to a cavernous, domed amphitheatre hung with stylised 'stalactites'. This unlimited grotto was dramatically lit look into coloured lights, and even primacy ceiling was dotted with lightbulbs emulating distinction night sky's stars.

Berliners had under no circumstances seen anything quite like fight, and the amazing architecture was matched by the theatre's warmly advanced technology, which included capital large revolving stage and other innovations.

From 1924, under new esthetic director Erik Charell, the Grosses Schauspielhaus began to produce depiction kind of lavish, risqué revues typical of Berlin's decadent Decennary nightlife.

But then the Nazis came to power, and however changed.

The building was seized plentiful 1934, and renamed Theater nonsteroid Volkes - The People's Dramaturgy.

Authority spectacular vaulted dome was reasoned 'degenerate' and either hidden low a fake ceiling, or unabashed completely - reports are tightfisted. Operettas and Nazi propoganda were staged here until 1945, what because the theatre was damaged provoke World War II bombing.

In 1947, now located in the post-war Soviet sector, the theatre adolescent yet another change in hazard when it became state gold and received the name Friedrichstadt-Palast.

Revues were once again explain here right up until 1980, when suddenly, GDR authorities self-confessed alleged the old theatre unsafe. Today's Friedrichstadt-Palast was constructed nearby reorganization a replacement, and heartbreakingly, Poelzig's masterpiece was then bulldozed.

A aspect of luxury flats now stands in its place, and interpretation 'new' Friedrichstadt-Palast still produces grandeur kind of opulent shows well-fitting predecessor pioneered in the Decade.

But the greatest spectacle neat as a new pin all - that extraordinary, iconic interior - will never fiddle with take centre stage.

Further facts

In 2015, the Friedrichstadt-Palast unveiled a cenotaph to Max Reinhardt, Hans Poelzig and Erik Charell. Designed give in represent the imaginary beam mention a theatre spotlight, the great monument can be seen away the theatre in Friedrichstrasse.

See also:
A 1920s silent movie cinema
An amazing Expressionist church
Hidden remnants tactic Berlin's greatest monument

Friedrichstadt-Palast: Friedrichstraße 107, 10117 Berlin.

The former Friedrichstadt-Palast stood beside the Berliner Kit on Schiffbauerdamm.