Gothenburg City Theatre
Sweden's largest city theatre, in a 1934 functionalist building on Götaplatsen.
Gothenburg City Theatre completes the eastern side of Götaplatsen, the square it shares with the art museum and the concert hall. Carl Bergsten designed the building in a restrained classicising manner that was already turning towards functionalism, and it opened in 1934 after a long campaign to give the city a municipal playhouse. The foyer and auditorium retain much of their original character, including works by artists who contributed to the interior scheme in the 1930s.
The company is among the largest in Sweden and plays across several auditoria: the Stora Scen, the Studio, the Lilla Scen and, at Hisingen, the children's and youth stage Backa Teater. Repertoire ranges from Shakespeare and Ibsen to newly written Swedish drama and adaptations of novels, and guest performances by companies such as the Cullberg dance company are programmed alongside the theatre's own work. Performances are in Swedish, with some productions offered with surtitles.
Highlights
- Carl Bergsten's 1934 building, the third side of the Götaplatsen ensemble
- Four stages, from the 600-seat Stora Scen to the studio spaces
- Backa Teater, the company's stage for children and young people
- Guest seasons by Swedish dance and theatre companies
