Euro Theater Central Bonn, Bonn

The Euro Theater Central Bonn is one of city's, one-room theaters, featuring a 38 m² stage and seating for roughly 50 spectators. Situated in a charming Wilhelminian period building, this intimate venue has been delighting audiences since 1969, originally under the name “Theater Central”. In 1972, it moved to its current location, and later adopted the current name to reflect its mission of fostering a cultural dialog on a European scale.

Founded by Claus Marteau and dancer Gisela Pflugradt, the theater has remained a family-led endeavor. Since 1995, Gisela has served as its director, artistic manager, and lead director, supported by the Claus-Marteau Society-a group of friends and patrons dedicated to the theatre’s success. In 2017, dramaturg Ulrike Fischer took over artistic leadership.

Over the decades, Euro Theater Central has produced over 270 plays to date-including early performances of Strindberg’s "Miss Julie", Sartre’s "No Exit "and Süskind’s "The Double Bass". The company also embraces international theater: in 2004 it staged the premiere of "Whispers of Love", a play by Pakistani author Rafi Peer-the first of its kind on a German stage.

Beyond performances, the theater is known for its annual Order of the Mice award, established in the 1970s to honor contributions to Bonn’s cultural and carnival life. Recipients have included figures in politics, business, cabaret, and the arts-such as Hans-Dietrich Genscher, Johannes Rau, and members of the Beethoven Orchestra.