Berlin’s theater scene is facing a significant transformation. According to RBB, some of the city’s most renowned institutions, including the Volksbühne, Deutsches Theater, Maxim Gorki Theater, and others, may soon undergo a major restructuring or even be partially privatized. The Senate is considering changing these theaters‘ legal status to nonprofit GmbHs or foundations, a model already in place for Berlin’s opera houses. While officials stress that these discussions are part of a larger „cultural dialogue,“ there is concern among employees. The Verdi union warns that this shift could lead to job losses and worse working conditions for the 1,100 individuals currently employed across these institutions. Many workers fear the move would effectively remove them from the public service contracts, impacting job security and benefits. In addition to the legal restructuring, the plan includes merging certain departments, such as the workshops and administrative offices, under a „shared services“ model. This could mean the consolidation of production facilities and staff, raising concerns about the future of in-house teams at iconic theaters like the Volksbühne and Maxim Gorki Theater.

The ongoing talks are unfolding amid increasing financial pressure on the city’s cultural institutions, with the Senate aiming for more efficient operations. However, critics argue that privatization might harm the very essence of public theater in Berlin, a city known for its cultural inclusivity.