About the theatre

Göteborgs Stadsteater is Sweden’s oldest city theatre. It was founded in 1918 through a donation from inhabitants of Gothenburg, and was originally based at the premises that are now Lorensberg Theatre. The mission of Sweden´s oldest city theatre is to inspire, generate debate, entertain and provoke reflection.

Foto: Ola Kjelbye

Elegant architecture
The theatre at Götaplatsen was inaugurated in 1934. The building features elegant 1930 s architecture, particularly in the audience areas where there is a famous stairwell. Its stage machinery was highly advanced for its time, built by specialist engineers from Gothenburg’s shipyard industry. It still works perfectly, but has naturally been supplemented with new technology.



Controversial theatre
During World War II, Göteborgs Stadsteater became known for choosing a repertoire that was often at odds with the city’s more cautious and conventional political approach. Many of the theatre’s productions had clear contemporary political messages.

During the 1970s, Göteborgs Stadsteater was at the vanguard of the politically and socially oriented drama movement that prevailed in Sweden. Its productions provoked debates and press articles regarding the theatre’s repertoire policy.

Inspire, debate, entertain and provoke
Today, the theatre’s mission is to inspire, generate debate, entertain and provoke reflection. Just like in the past, the theatre’s two main stages feature a mixture of classic and contemporary repertoire from Sweden and abroad.

In recent years, the theatre has increasingly prioritised specially commissioned Swedish plays, particularly on the Nya Studion venue, which is also used as a venue for lectures, debates and various other performances. The theatre’s third venue, Foajébaren, hosts the popular lunchtime events, and is also a concert venue.
