Armin Petras to Lead Theater Bremen as New Intendant

Bremen – Armin Petras has been appointed as the new Intendant (director) of the Theater Bremen, commencing with the 2027/2028 season. The announcement was made on February 19, 2026, by Bremen’s Mayor and Senator for Culture, Andreas Bovenschulte, alongside Carmen Emigholz, State Councilor for Culture and chair of the selection committee .

Succession and Leadership Structure

Petras succeeds Michael Börgerding, who passed away in January 2025 . The Theater Bremen will be led by a triumvirate, with Petras at the helm, supported by Franziska Benack, currently a geschäftsführende Dramaturgin (executive dramaturg) in the Schauspiel (drama) department, and Frederike Krüger, presently the Leitende Dramaturgin (leading dramaturg) in the Musiktheater (music theater) . Benack and Krüger will serve as deputy directors.

Petras’ Background and Experience

Born in 1964, Armin Petras brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as artistic director at the Schauspiel Stuttgart and the Maxim Gorki Theater in Berlin . He is as well a published playwright, writing under the pseudonym Fritz Kater. Most recently, he was one of three leaders of the Schauspiels (drama) at the Staatstheater Cottbus .

A Familiar Environment and Future Vision

Petras expressed his honor at being appointed to lead the Theater Bremen, acknowledging the significant legacy of his predecessor, Michael Börgerding . He intends to build upon Börgerding’s work while also introducing new artistic directions. He is already familiar with the theater, as he will be directing Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” there starting in March . The selection committee reviewed over 50 applications before choosing Petras .