Die Freie Bühne (The Free Stage)

Die Freie Bühne (The Free Stage) was a German theatrical group founded in 1889 that aimed to modernize and democratize theatre. It challenged traditional, often elitist performances by promoting contemporary plays, innovative staging, and accessible productions, encouraging artistic freedom and social relevance. The group sought to make theatre a space for critical reflection and cultural progress, emphasizing the importance of artistic independence from government or commercial interests. Overall, Die Freie Bühne played a key role in advancing modernist theatre practices and fostering a more inclusive approach to artistic expression.