The idea of a more open stage model emerged as early as 1976, when Roberto Ciulli was working on the construction of a theater house, free from the constraints of city theater, but equipped with its financial capabilities and social securities. When the Theater an der Ruhr was founded in 1980, the essential thought of the partners – director Roberto Ciulli, Helmut Schäfer as the dramaturgical head, and the city of Mülheim an der Ruhr – was to develop a flexible structure. The requirements of art should be at the center, not the apparatus and bureaucratic operation.
A year later, the new theater presented itself for the first time with Wedekind's monster tragedy "Lulu". The idea of the ensemble, which includes all members of the theater, remained intact. Characteristics of the concept include high personnel continuity and uniformly applicable contracts for all departments. About 50 people on and off stage form the Theater an der Ruhr. They are a collective. And they are mobile. Guest performance tours transport the universal language of theater and serve the mutually enriching dialogue with the cultures of the world: to the Silk Road, to Iran, or to South America. This challenges intellectual agility and also significantly contributes to the financing of the theater.
The Theater an der Ruhr is located in a former spa – after it operated ambulantly at the beginning of its career and performed in various locations, including the Mülheim City Hall. The spa was built in the early 20th century on the grounds of the Raffelberg estate. Ciulli's troupe moved in in 1981 and initially used the old Kursaal. From 1994 to 1997, the listed building was renovated and transformed into a permanent venue with 200 spectator seats. The Raffelbergpark surrounding the former spa is today not only a place for recreation, but is also used by the theater as an outdoor set and open-air stage – especially in the summer months, for example during the popular "White Nights."
