René Pollesch, a renowned artistic director and playwright, who was deeply familiar with the Berliner Volksbühne, has passed away at the age of 61. His demise was sudden and unexpected, as announced by the theater on Monday evening. The exact cause and circumstances of his death have not been disclosed, according to Volksbühne spokesperson Lena Fuchs. The news has left everyone in shock, as Pollesch was a significant figure in the German theater scene.
Pollesch’s plays were known for their unconventional narratives and non-classical characters. He once told the weekly newspaper “Die Zeit” that the traditional approach of theater, which involves following a logical and coherent character and plotline, often bores actors. He emphasized that his theater did not follow this pattern, allowing actors to deviate from the norm.
Pollesch’s theater scripts were noted for their complexity, which was balanced with a sense of lightness. Despite this, his work could sometimes be challenging for the audience to understand, even when he used familiar songs, like Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” or “Drive” by The Cars, in his plays.
Born in Friedberg, Hesse, in 1962, Pollesch studied applied theater studies at the University of Giessen under the guidance of George Tabori and Heiner Müller. Over his career, he worked on numerous stages, staging his own plays in an experimental manner and even transforming a drive-in cinema into a theater. His works were staged at the Burgtheater Vienna, the Deutsches Theater Berlin, and the Munich Kammerspiele, among others. He has written over 200 pieces, mostly short works.
In recognition of his outstanding work, Pollesch received several awards, including the Mühlheim Dramatist Prize in 2001 and 2006, and the Arthur Schnitzler Prize in Vienna in 2019. His works explored a wide range of topics, from the seemingly mundane to the seemingly grand.
Pollesch’s appointment as the artistic director of the Volksbühne was welcomed by many long-time supporters of the theater. After a period of protest against the appointment of Chris Dercon as the successor of Frank Castorf, Pollesch took over. Pollesch’s long-standing association with the theater made him a familiar and beloved figure. The theater, known for its idiosyncratic character, saw a long-time associate move into Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz.
Pollesch collaborated with actors such as Martin Wuttke, Fabian Hinrichs, Kathi Angerer, and Sophie Rois. His first season as director of the theater began in September 2021 with the premiere of “The Rise and Fall of a Curtain and His Life in Between”.
Upon announcing his new position in 2019, Pollesch shared his vision for his directorship. He emphasized that he was never alone in his role as a director and author, giving a sense of comfort and assurance. He also stated his intention to continue the Volksbühne’s tradition of not doing everything right, indicating a desire to break away from conventional theater norms.
He made it clear that he would not be managing a theater in the traditional sense, nor celebrating theater opening parties, publishing season books, or adhering to expected behaviors. This unconventional approach was a clear indicator of Pollesch’s vision for the Volksbühne.
