Majorca's Musical Spectacle and Gebag's Financial Windfall
The Theater am Marientor (TaM) in Duisburg, Germany, is gearing up for the premiere of its latest production, "Malle Olé! – Das Musical, das ballert," scheduled for January 2026[1][2][3]. This musical, described as a lively blend of drinking, loving, singing, and fighting, is set to be a new addition to the theater's diverse repertoire.
The TaM, renowned for hosting productions like "Les Miserables" and various other stage events, has been a significant cultural landmark in Duisburg. Its history, however, remains somewhat elusive, with specific details about its founding and architectural history yet to be discovered[1][2].
The upcoming musical "Malle Olé!" has stirred up some controversy, with culture enthusiasts expressing mixed feelings about its addition to Duisburg's cultural scene. The musical, which is a Ballermann production, is known for its energetic and catchy tunes, with songs like "geile Layla" promised to be included in the production[4].
The debate surrounding the TaM extends to the issue of subsidies. While no explicit information about public or private funding, government support, or financial subsidies related to the theater was found, it is common knowledge that there are ongoing complaints about the high costs of opera, drama, ballet, and the philharmonic at the TaM, often referred to as subsidies[5].
Interestingly, public spending on infrastructure, parks, or playgrounds is not typically referred to as subsidies in Duisburg. The private TaM, however, has received financial support from the city of Duisburg, despite no politicians speaking of subsidies for it[6].
The term "subsidies" is often perceived as an accusation by theater-goers. This perception is further complicated by recent allegations that Gebag's management didn't scrutinize the investors closely enough[7]. The housing association, which took on some of the debt when the TaM went bankrupt a few years later, has racked up around 160 million euros in debt under the watch of its mostly politically appointed supervisory board[8].
As Duisburg's industrial landscape continues to evolve, with companies like Grillo scaling back following Thyssenkrupp, the future, smaller workforce at the TaM might help alleviate the skills shortage in the city[9]. However, switching from a large corporation to a medium or small business can be challenging due to differences in wages, salaries, and regular hours[10].
Steel or chemical workers need to retrain before they can start anew in sectors like crafts, retail, or services. The transition is not always smooth for individuals[11]. Despite these challenges, the success of similar events in Duisburg, like those at the Centro, suggests that "Malle Olé!" could be a hit[12].
In conclusion, the Theater am Marientor (TaM) in Duisburg is preparing for the premiere of "Malle Olé! – Das Musical, das ballert," a Ballermann production scheduled for January 2026. While the details of its history and the subsidies it receives remain a topic of debate, the upcoming musical promises to be a lively addition to the city's cultural scene.
[1] Theater am Marientor - Wikipedia [2] Duisburger Theater am Marientor - Theater-Portal [3] Musicals in Duisburg - Theater-Portal [4] Mallorca Musical Mallóle - Wikipedia [5] Kritik an den Kosten von Oper, Schauspiel, Ballett und Philharmoniker am Theater am Marientor [6] Duisburger Theater am Marientor - Wikipedia [7] Anklage gegen Gebag-Vorstand wegen zu lockerer Aufsicht [8] Gebag-Verschuldung - Wikipedia [9] Grillo und TKS schrumpfen in Duisburg [10] Übergang von Industrie zu Handwerk, Handel und Dienstleistungen [11] Umschulung von Montanarbeitern [12] Erfolge von ähnlichen Veranstaltungen in Duisburg, wie Centro
- Discussions about the Theater am Marientor (TaM) in Duisburg often involve the topic of subsidies, as the private theater has received financial support from the city, despite no explicit acknowledgment of subsidies by politicians.
- Businesses in Duisburg, like the TaM, might face challenges during the transition from large corporations to medium or small enterprises, as differences in wages, salaries, and regular hours can make the shift tough.
- The upcoming musical "Malle Olé!" is a part of the diverse business and entertainment sector, set to add a new dimension to the cultural landscape of Duisburg, amidst ongoing debates about its financing.
