Freies Werkstatt-Theater

The Freies Werkstatt Theater stands in Cologne’s southern districts, inside a converted listed building. Since 1995 it has occupied five floors, with two performance spaces, two foyers, rehearsal rooms, offices and workshops. The theatre began life in 1977 as part of the national ‘Artists and Students’ pilot scheme. Its productions focus on the lives of older people, including Germany’s first third-age company founded in 1979. The theatre is led by Dieter Scholz and Ingrid Berzau, both recipients of the Order of Merit for their work. Scholz also holds the Cologne Theatre Prize and the Robert Jungk Prize for his projects. Visitors find unconventional stagings of classics and modern plays on two stages. The foyers host pre-show gatherings and small exhibitions. The building’s upper floors contain rehearsal and workshop areas where artists prepare new work.