The play “The Bench” in Germany 2026
The play “The Bench” by Alexander Gelman in a new production in Germany
In May 2026, German theatres will present the legendary play “The Bench” by Alexander Gelman — one of the key works of Soviet drama that has retained its artistic and human relevance for more than forty years. The new production will become a notable event of the theatrical season and will offer European audiences a contemporary interpretation of a classic text.
Written in 1983 and banned from performance for many years, The Bench explores themes of human closeness, loneliness and inner vulnerability. The story of a chance encounter between a man and a woman who once shared a common past unfolds as an honest dialogue about love, trust and the search for meaning. The play’s concise form combines psychological precision, emotional truth and subtle irony.
The first stage production of The Bench premiered at the Moscow Art Theatre under the direction of Oleg Efremov. The leading roles were performed by Tatiana Doronina and Oleg Tabakov. From this production began the play’s international stage history, later translated into dozens of languages and staged in many countries around the world.
The German version features:
• Alexey Panin — theatre and film actor, graduate of GITIS, who has worked at the Oleg Tabakov Theatre and the Moscow Pushkin Drama Theatre, known for films such as Zhmurki, The Star, D.M.B., Soldiers and Truckers, and a two-time nominee for the Nika National Film Award;
• Vera Kutsenko — theatre and film actress known for her expressive dramatic style and precise psychological performance.
The Bench is a chamber play in which every word and pause becomes a direct conversation with the audience. The production addresses timeless themes — hope, love, the desire to be heard and the ability to be close to another person. The German premiere offers a careful and modern interpretation of a classic work that has preserved its emotional depth and dramatic intensity.
In May 2026, German theatres will present the legendary play “The Bench” by Alexander Gelman — one of the key works of Soviet drama that has retained its artistic and human relevance for more than forty years. The new production will become a notable event of the theatrical season and will offer European audiences a contemporary interpretation of a classic text.
Written in 1983 and banned from performance for many years, The Bench explores themes of human closeness, loneliness and inner vulnerability. The story of a chance encounter between a man and a woman who once shared a common past unfolds as an honest dialogue about love, trust and the search for meaning. The play’s concise form combines psychological precision, emotional truth and subtle irony.
The first stage production of The Bench premiered at the Moscow Art Theatre under the direction of Oleg Efremov. The leading roles were performed by Tatiana Doronina and Oleg Tabakov. From this production began the play’s international stage history, later translated into dozens of languages and staged in many countries around the world.
The German version features:
• Alexey Panin — theatre and film actor, graduate of GITIS, who has worked at the Oleg Tabakov Theatre and the Moscow Pushkin Drama Theatre, known for films such as Zhmurki, The Star, D.M.B., Soldiers and Truckers, and a two-time nominee for the Nika National Film Award;
• Vera Kutsenko — theatre and film actress known for her expressive dramatic style and precise psychological performance.
The Bench is a chamber play in which every word and pause becomes a direct conversation with the audience. The production addresses timeless themes — hope, love, the desire to be heard and the ability to be close to another person. The German premiere offers a careful and modern interpretation of a classic work that has preserved its emotional depth and dramatic intensity.
Tags: Russian-speaking theatre in Germany , new production of The Bench in Germany , Russian actor Alexey Panin in Germany , The Bench play in Cologne , The Bench by Alexander Gelman in Cologne , Russian theatre performance in Cologne 2026 , Russian theatre in Cologne , theatre in Russian language in Cologne , chamber play in Cologne , psychological drama in Cologne , classic Soviet drama in Cologne , premiere of The Bench in Cologne , Russian theatre premiere Cologne 2026 , The Bench show dates in Cologne , performance date The Bench Cologne , theatre schedule Cologne Russian , theatre evening in Cologne Russian , tickets for The Bench Cologne , buy tickets The Bench Cologne , Russian theatre tickets Cologne , play with Alexey Panin in Cologne , Alexey Panin theatre Cologne , Alexey Panin on stage in Cologne , Russian theatre tour Cologne , adult theatre performance in Cologne , intellectual theatre in Cologne , drama about love and loneliness in Cologne , theatre premiere Cologne Russian , theatre season Cologne 2026 , Russian cultural event in Cologne
| Date: | 25.05.2026 |
| Time: | 19:30 |
| Venue: | Volksbühne am Rudolfplatz |
| Address: | Aachener Str. 5, 50674 Köln |
| Buy ticket | |
| All dates and venues | |
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