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Significant financial repercussions expected for Berliner Ensemble due to water damage, estimated at a minimum of one million euros.

Theatre Ensemble inundated with over 15,000 liters (equivalent to 83 bathtubs) of water due to an unintended activation of the emergency sprinkler system on Friday.

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2025 September 16 . 5:32 AM

1 min read

Substantial financial losses estimated for Berliner Ensemble due to water damage, amounting to at... — Substantial financial losses estimated for Berliner Ensemble due to water damage, amounting to at least one million euros.

Significant financial repercussions expected for Berliner Ensemble due to water damage, estimated at a minimum of one million euros.

The Berliner Ensemble, a renowned theatre located in the heart of Berlin, Germany, has faced an unexpected setback. On Friday evening, 9th April, a flood occurred on the main stage of the theatre, causing extensive damage.

According to reports by rbb, approximately 15,000 litres of water were involved in the flooding. The sprinkler system, intended for emergency situations, was accidentally activated during the intermission of the play Ivanov.

Fortunately, no audience members were inside at the time of the incident, and the managing director of Berliner Ensemble, Oliver Resse, expressed relief that no one was injured. However, the flooding has caused significant damage to many devices, including lighting and sound equipment, which are damaged beyond repair.

The theatre is expecting the repairs to cost at least one million euros. A more precise estimate of the damage will be possible after further analyses. As a result, the current schedule of performances will be adjusted, and the premiere of Sibylle Berg's RCE, planned for April 25th, is unlikely to take place as planned. The director who planned the world premiere of RCE, Salome Schneebeli, will be contacted by post to discuss the situation.

The Berliner Ensemble is working diligently to assess the full extent of the damage and to develop a plan for resuming performances. Further financial losses are anticipated due to cancelled performances.

At this time, no information is provided about the current status or future performances at the Berliner Ensemble. The theatre urges patience and understanding as they navigate this challenging situation.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and regularly checking emergency systems to prevent such accidents in the future. The Berliner Ensemble looks forward to welcoming audiences back to their theatre once the repairs are complete.