The ETA Hoffmann Theatre has been part of Bamberg’s cultural life for over 200 years. The artistic director ist John von Düffel. In the summer, the company performs at the Calderón Festival, an open-air event held at the Alte Hofhaltung.
What to expect
- A permanent ensemble performs well-known works and new plays
- Readings and musical theatre complement the drama programme
- Calderón Festival: the open-air theatre at the Alte Hofhaltung has been part of the summer programme since 1973.
Good to know
- The programme changes regularly and constantly offers new plays and productions
- Tickets are available directly from the theatre.
The history of the ETA Hoffmann Theatre
In 1802, Julius Reichsgraf von Soden, a Prussian envoy and theatre lover, had the building complex on Schillerplatz converted into a theatre. Bamberg was one of the first cities to employ a permanent theatre company.
In 1808, E. T. A. Hoffmann joined the Bamberg Theatre as musical director. The writer, composer and illustrator, after whom the theatre is now named, worked here in various roles over the following years. During this period, the company introduced the Spanish playwright Pedro Calderón de la Barca to the German stage. He gave the subsequent ‘Calderón plays’ their name.
