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Komische Oper Berlin plans fewer new productions

Cuts to the cultural budget in Berlin's state budget are affecting the artistic work of the Komische Oper Berlin. "We cannot and will not compromise on quality," explained the two artistic directors, Susanne Moser and Philip Bröking, on Wednesday. "The consequence is fewer new productions."

Philip Bröking and Susanne Moser

Instead of eight premieres this season, the theater is planning six new productions for the upcoming season. In addition, director Kirill Serebrennikov will be a guest with two productions, which the Russian director premiered at the Salzburg Festival ("The Blizzard", 2025) and the Ruhrtriennale ("Legends", 2024).

As has been the tradition since moving from its original home, the Komische Oper will open its 2026/27 season in Hangar 4 of the former Berlin-Tempelhof Airport. Barrie Kosky will direct Aribert Reimann's "Lear." The former artistic director will also direct the season's final premiere, George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess." According to reports, the production, under the musical direction of General Music Director James Gaffigan, has already been invited to tour Paris, Copenhagen, Rome, and Lyon.

Despite budget cuts, the Komische Oper intends to maintain its repertoire of children's operas. Next season alone, it will offer 35 performances for young audiences. The music theatre outreach program will also continue and be expanded, offering workshops and projects with school classes, children, and teenagers.

The average occupancy rate in the current season is approximately 95 percent, the same as in the previous season, it was stated.

A major challenge for the Komische Oper remains the renovation of its main building on Behrenstrasse. Uncertainty regarding financing had even raised fears of a construction halt. The fact that this was averted and the work can continue is an important signal from the Berlin Senate for the future of the opera house, explained Moser and Bröking. "The renovation and expansion of the opera house is a crucial prerequisite for securing the long-term operation of the Komische Oper Berlin and for continuing to offer audiences exceptional musical theater experiences," they emphasized.

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