Packhaustheater Bremen to Host Chekhov’s Comedies Following Metropoltheater Takeover

Bremen’s Packhaustheater, now under the management of the Metropoltheater, will present Anton Chekhov’s one-act comedies, “The Bear” and “The Marriage Proposal,” performed by the Kleine Theater Nebenan ensemble. The performances are scheduled for Thursday, March 19th, Friday, March 20th, and Sunday, March 22nd, at the Evangelical Community Center in Hösel.

A Classic Reimagined

The Kleine Theater Nebenan, a Ratingen-based independent ensemble, aims to revitalize classic material for a broad audience. These performances follow successful showings and guest appearances at the Packhaustheater in Bremen. Chekhov’s short comedies are known for their sharp humor and observation of human foibles, exploring themes of pride, conflict, love, and the unpredictable nature of emotions.

The Plays

“The Bear” centers on a grieving widow, Popova, and her unexpected encounter with the landowner Smirnov, who arrives to collect a debt. Their initial antagonism evolves into a surprising and ironic connection. “The Marriage Proposal” features the anxious Lomow attempting to propose to his neighbor Natalja, but their discussion quickly devolves into a humorous dispute over land and hunting dogs, threatening the potential union.

Packhaustheater Under New Management

Earlier in 2025, the Metropoltheater Bremen, a larger venue with 1451 seats, assumed management of the Packhaustheater. Dirk Böhling (born 1964) was appointed as the new artistic director. Böhling has a diverse background as an actor, director, and dramatist, and is also known for his operate on local radio.

Performance Details and Ticketing

Performances will take place at the Evangelical Community Center, Bahnhofstraße 175, Hösel. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. On March 19th and 20th, and 6:00 p.m. On March 22nd. Tickets are available through the theater’s website, www.kleines-theater-nebenan.de, by calling 02102-1471744, or at the box office.

About the Packhaustheater

Located in Bremen’s Schnoor district, the Packhaustheater dates back to 1801, with the current building erected in 1976. The theater showcases North German and Bremen-based stories, contemporary works, and comedies, as well as readings, concerts, and guest performances. The Packhaustheater currently features a diverse program including performances of “Mark Scheibe – Songs & Stories” (March 6th), “Allerdings. Ringelnatz Solo” (March 7th-8th), and “Ich bin’s Paula” (March 13th – April 26th). Other upcoming shows include “Lale, Lili, Marleen” (April 3rd – 19th), “Schnoor-Geschichten mit Heini Holtenbeen” (May 1st – June 14th), and “Männer und Frauen…” (May 15th – May 31st).