Theater Waidspeicher, Puppet theater in medieval Altstadt, Erfurt, Germany
Theater Waidspeicher occupies a renovated 16th-century warehouse building in the medieval old town and seats approximately 140 spectators. The space features a working workshop where the ensemble creates puppets, scenery, and costumes for performances.
The building was constructed between 1540 and 1560 as a storage facility for woad, a plant-based dye that drove Erfurt's economy for centuries. Today it has been transformed into a performance venue, preserving the structure while serving a completely different purpose.
The theater uses the historic warehouse as a living space where craft and storytelling meet. Visitors experience not just performances here, but also gain insight into how local artisans create their puppets and stage designs.
The venue is easily accessible on foot in the old town center, making it convenient to combine with other nearby attractions. The intimate size means audiences sit close to the stage, which creates a direct connection with the performances.
The ensemble has taken performances to places like Taiwan, Israel, and North America, earning recognition at international festivals. This makes the small Erfurt theater a notable ambassador for German puppet theater around the world.
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