Cultural stage

A look at the new season of the Kulturbühne and its long tradition

The cultural program in Lüdinghausen is celebrating its 70th birthday. With the current season of the KulturBühne, the municipal cultural officer Martina Götsch is creating a varied program for theater lovers in the anniversary year. But how did it come about that comedies, psychological thrillers and classical plays became a permanent fixture?

After the end of the Second World War, there was a great need for a fresh start in all areas of life - including culture. In October 1946, the town council of the then district town of Lüdinghausen decided that a municipal cultural community should be founded. However, the start was not easy: there were different cultural trends and opinions about what kind of culture should be promoted. And the cinema at the time offered a rather unsuitable stage for theater performances. A breakthrough came in May 1954, when the local newspaper reported on the city's own theater program. The subscription was sold out in the first year.

In the 1965/66 season, the city not only took over the organization and advertising of the events, but also invested in the renovation of the building in which the performances took place. The goal was clear: culture should not only be accessible to the elite, but to everyone. Another milestone was reached in 1974 when the events were moved to the auditorium of the secondary school. The "KulturWinter" was followed by the "KulturBühne" as a municipal cultural format. With its unique selling point, the "KulturBühne" attracts visitors from all over the region. Many well-known actors such as Ursula Buschhorn, Leonard Lansink and Hugo Egon Balder have also been guests in Lüdinghausen. Today, the "KulturBühne" is curated by the municipal cultural officer Martina Götsch, who has been putting her heart and soul into putting on a varied program every year since 2019.

A colorful mix appeals to everyone

"We have to limit ourselves somewhat this season, as renovation work is taking place in the secondary school auditorium. But that shouldn't stop us from offering a varied program," says Götsch. "There is something for everyone: from well-known plays such as "The Reader" to modern productions such as "The Perfect Secret". Children's theater is important to me, this year it's the play "Petterson tents". Seeing the children's enthusiasm as they immerse themselves in the world of fantasy is always a special highlight for me."

Culture creates community

"In particular, it is the commitment of every single person involved in culture in our city that has helped us to get to where we are today," says the city's culture commissioner. "Culture creates community, it brings people together and enables us to grow beyond ourselves." The renovation work in the secondary school auditorium promises to improve the conditions for cultural events in the future. "We have a great tradition here and it is our task to continue and expand this together with all those involved in culture in our urban society," says Götsch.

Program / Tickets: The KulturBühne program is available at the city administration and at Lüdinghausen Marketing. It can also be found at www.luedinghausen.de. Advance ticket sales for individual tickets are available from Lüdinghausen Marketing, Borg 4, Tel. 02591/78008, and via the Proticket hotline 0231 / 9172290 or at www.proticket.de.