Maxim Gorki Theater

Political Theater on the Grand Boulevard

Behind the neoclassical facade of the former Sing-Akademie on the grand boulevard Unter den Linden, contemporary questions are posed. The ensemble of the Maxim Gorki Theater addresses current societal, social, and political debates. This makes the Gorki stand for a form of theater that does not hide behind the fourth wall. The Я in GOЯKI stands for the last letter of the Russian alphabet and simultaneously means “I” – a symbol for self-definition and self-determination.

With “The Cherry Orchard” directed by Nurkan Erpulat, the post-migrant era of the Berlin Gorki Theater began 13 years ago under Artistic Director Shermin Langhoff. Now it is coming to an end. Again with Nurkan Erpulat and a concluding production that looks to the future with the past. Because for the 2025/2026 season, Çağla Ilk will take over the artistic directorship at the Maxim Gorki Theater from Shermin Langhoff. Ilk stated that she intends to retain the post-migrant character of the house but will focus more strongly on interdisciplinarity.

Studio Я, Autumn Salon, and the Gorki as a City-Wide Topic of Conversation

The Gorki’s post-migrant Studio Я blurs the lines between theater, poetry, performance, culture of remembrance, and party. So, those who think they are going to the theater often find themselves in something harder to categorize. With the interactive formats of “Gorki X”, Berliners regularly get the opportunity to participate themselves. The Gorki sees itself as a house that addresses the entire city, regardless of age, affiliation, birthplace, or self-identification.

Furthermore, the theater regularly attracts nationwide attention. For example, “Our German Fairy Tale” directed by Hakan Savaş Mican was invited to Theatertreffen 2025, and the Maxim Gorki Theater has already been voted Theater of the Year twice in the critics’ poll of “Theater heute” magazine. Anyone looking for theater in Berlin that truly takes risks cannot miss this place.