The Ruhrfestspielhaus is the main venue for the Ruhrfestspiele, one of Germany's most important theater festivals, held each May and June. The festival has been running since 1947 — it began as an exchange: Ruhr miners delivered coal to Hamburg's theaters during the post-war fuel shortage, and Hamburg theater companies came to Recklinghausen to perform in return. That origin story has given the festival an unusually democratic character ever since.
Productions range from German-language classics and international touring companies to contemporary work and dance. The building itself was renovated in the early 2000s and is worth a look even outside festival season. If you are anywhere in the Ruhr in late spring, it is worth checking the programme — the festival punches well above its weight for a city of this size.