The Movement Theater in Bielefeld will celebrate its 25th anniversary on February 21st, with founder Anke Koster transitioning leadership of the theater to Jochen Schlüter.
Koster, a recipient of the Bielefeld Cultural Prize, established the theater, which began in a space described as a former bakery “so groß wie eine Garage mit Platz für zwei Autos” (as large as a garage with space for two cars), according to Koster. The theater has since moved to Haller Weg 38, and is now considered a local institution.
For years, Koster has been the driving force behind the Movement Theater, fulfilling a multitude of roles, from playwright and director to actress and even maintenance staff. She described her operate as encompassing “Mal Klofrau, mal Intendantin” (“sometimes a cleaner, sometimes an artistic director”).
Schlüter is not recent to the Movement Theater, having previously performed at the original location while part of the duo Karinjo. Both Koster and Schlüter acknowledge the theater’s humble beginnings, and the need to move beyond the initial space.
The theater adapted to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting to digital performances, offering recordings of past shows and newly produced projects online. These digital offerings were made available for free, with a request for donations to support the artists and the theater itself.
Recent digital productions include a music video by Erkan Köroglu, comedy performances featuring “the King of Wattenscheid-Günnigfeld,” and readings by Christian Knäpper and Insa Stuckenbröker. A preview of a new crime drama, “Dienstreise nach Istanbul” (Business Trip to Istanbul), featuring Commissioner Knäpper, was also recently offered by Koster.
The Movement Theater’s 25th-anniversary celebration is scheduled for February 21st at the Haller Weg location.