UNIDRAM — Internationales Theaterfestival Potsdam

A European Heavyweight for Independent Theatre

UNIDRAM — Internationales Theaterfestival Potsdam is one of the most significant festivals for Independent Theatre in Europe. Hosted annually since 1995 by the T-Werk (International Theatre and Theatre Education Centre) in Potsdam's Schiffbauergasse cultural quarter, it is a firm fixture in November for theatre creators, programmers, and a curious audience from all over Germany and Europe. The 32nd edition in 2026 will take place from November 3rd to 7th.

What does UNIDRAM showcase?

The festival consistently focuses on visual theatre and its interdisciplinary manifestations — a form of theatre that is not adequately represented in Germany because it doesn't fit into the classic genre logic of city and state theatres. The selected productions combine:

• Movement and dance
• Performance and experimental stage forms
• Music theatre with live music
• Object theatre and puppetry in a broader sense
• Fine arts and stage design

Every year, the festival brings together over 100 artists from across Europe in Potsdam — the range extends from established independent companies to young experimental collectives. This makes UNIDRAM one of the most important observation points for the development of the independent scene on the continent.

Venues in Schiffbauergasse

The T-Werk, the festival's home base at Schiffbauergasse 4E, is the main venue. In addition, other venues within the Schiffbauergasse cultural quarter are used — a former industrial area on the Tiefen See lake, which the city of Potsdam transformed into one of Brandenburg's densest cultural districts starting in the 2000s. The Hans Otto Theater, fabrik Potsdam (dance), Waschhaus, and the Reithalle area are all within walking distance — the festival utilizes this proximity and designs its program structure to allow audiences to move between venues.

Schiffbauergasse — Potsdam's Cultural Engine

Schiffbauergasse in Potsdam is one of Brandenburg's most important cultural districts. The former industrial site of barracks and workshops on the Tiefen See lake is now home to theatres, a dance house, a cinema, galleries, and music clubs. In autumn, when UNIDRAM is running, Schiffbauergasse is particularly vibrant with the additional stages and bars.

Funding and Partners

UNIDRAM is supported by the City of Potsdam, the State of Brandenburg, and numerous German and French cultural institutions. The international funding — particularly from French partners — is also reflected in the program: French companies are regularly guests, and the festival is considered an important link between the German and French independent theatre scenes.