Gala opening for new Potsdam theatre.

Friday 29 September sees the gala opening of the Hans Otto Theatre, Potsdam's first new theatre in 211 years. Designed by architect Gottfried Bhm, the layered pagoda-style theatre at 11 Schiffbauergasse overlooks the Babelsberger park and lake and can also be accessed by boat. With a multi-functional auditorium seating 484, it cost 26 million to complete. Theatre director, Uwe Eric Laufenberg, has promised that the 2006/7 season has something for all tastes - from avant-garde to conventional. The Hans Otto Theatre company has been without a permanent home since its original home, the Theater am Kanal, was bombed in 1945.