Maria-Helena Theatre Boat in Saarbrücken

Region

Thema

pictures

description

brief description: 

the Maria-Helena riverboat theatre was originally an old barge. Launched in 1911 in Strasbourg, it was initially used as a transport vehicle - pulled by horses on the bank along a towpath - carrying mainly coal and gravel. In 1940, the boat was blown up on the river Maas near the Dutch border and remained sunken for several months until it was lifted from the river bed in 1941. The Maria-Helena spent 13 months at a shipyard and was repaired by 1943. After the war, the barge, which meanwhile had been motorised, was mainly en route on French rivers and canals. In 2006, finally, the Maria-Helena found a new owner. On the Wirotius shipyard in Rilchingen Hanweiler, Frank Lion lovingly and painstakingly transformed the transport vessel into a culture boat while making sure that the remarkable historic character of the original barge was preserved as much as possible

relevant filming facts

opening times: 
to be discussed
usage: 
theatre and cultural events. The Maria-Helena is fully functional and can be moved up and down the Saar. By passing through the G%uFFFDdingen lock (also featured in the Location Guide), the boat can also reach the French Sarre and, via the canals, it can cruise all the way to the Mediterranean
condition: 
renovated
interior architecture: 
the boat interior was transformed into an event space, complete with stage and dressing room, auditorium and foyer. The capacity is limited to 150 spectators
layout: 
the boat has a length of 39 m and a width of 5 m (for detailed floor plan and further information, please go to www.theaterschiff-maria-helena.com)
Background noise: 
the theatre boat is anchored on the river Saar, alongside which runs the urban motorway A620
surroundings: 
anchored on the river Saar, the theatre boat is centrally located halfway between the Saarbrücken State Theatre (Staatstheater) and the Saarbrücken Castle (Saarbrücker Schloss)
Lift/elevator: 
none
possible disturbing factors: 
road traffic noise coming from the urban motorway
Space restrictions: 
to be discussed
Time restrictions : 
to be discussed
Catering: 
the theatre boat is anchored nearby St. Johanner Markt (St. John%uFFFDs Square - also featured in the Location Guide), where you can find a great variety of restaurants and bistros that could serve as caterers

accessibility

car: 
the theatre boat is located in the heart of the city, in close proximity of the Saarbrücken State Theatre (Staatstheater). Coming on the motorway A620, take the Wilhelm-Heinrich-Brücke exit and cross the Saar via Stengelstraße. After approx. 140 m, turn right onto Am Stadtgraben. The Maria-Helena is anchored on the right bank between Alte Brücke and Wilhelm-Heinrich-Brücke
train: 
you can reach the theatre boat in approx. 15 minutes on foot from Saarbrücken Central Station

supply

sanitary facilities: 
available
parking lot: 
sufficient spaces available in front of the nearby tax office (Finanzamt) or at the Staatstheater underground car park, as well as on and around the Berliner Promenade
electricity supply: 
onsite battery-powered generator and 32 amp shore connection available
water supply: 
available

contact

Steffen Conrad