Drenthe invests in cross-border theatre project to celebrate railway revival
Residents and visitors in Drenthe and Germany can look forward to a unique cultural experience as the Province of Drenthe invests €200,000 in a location theatre project marking the reopening of the Coevorden-Bad Bentheim railway line. The project blends local stories, theatre, and railway heritage into a bilingual performance.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Amount | €200,000 |
| Project Name | Corridor |
| Theatre Company | Das Letzte Kleinod |
| Train Used | Ozeanblaue Zug (12 historic carriages) |
| Railway Line | Coevorden-Bad Bentheim |
| Reopening Date | December 2026 |
| Performance Language | Dutch and German |
| Key Partners | Landkreis Grafschaft Bentheim, Bad Bentheimer Eisenbahn |
| Funding Sources | Province of Drenthe, foundations, and authorities in both countries |
The Province of Drenthe plays a key role in fostering cultural and infrastructural projects that enhance regional connectivity and heritage. By funding initiatives like this theatre project, the province supports cross-border collaboration and community engagement, aligning with its broader goals of economic and cultural development.
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Province of Drenthe supports location theatre project for the reopening of the Coevorden-Bad Bentheim railway line
The Province of Drenthe is investing €200,000 in Corridor, a cross-border location theatre project developed to mark the resumption of passenger services on the Coevorden-Bad Bentheim railway line in December 2026. This investment will provide a cultural and accessible programme for residents and visitors to celebrate the reopening of this historic connection.
For this production, the internationally acclaimed theatre company Das Letzte Kleinod will use their signature “Ozeanblaue Zug”: a travelling train consisting of twelve historic carriages that serve as a stage, workshop, and mobile studio. The Bad Bentheimer Eisenbahn will provide a locomotive to transport the carriages to their designated locations.
Stories that cross the border
Over the coming months, the theatre company will travel along the railway line to collect stories from local residents, associations, and creators. These encounters will form the basis for a new bilingual performance featuring Dutch and German actors. In December 2026, audiences will travel by regular train along the scenes, which will be staged at multiple locations on both sides of the border. The railway line will literally become the stage.
Collaboration in the border region
Corridor is being developed in collaboration with partners in the Netherlands and Germany, including the Landkreis Grafschaft Bentheim as a prospective partner. In addition to the provincial contribution, additional funding is being sought from foundations and authorities in both countries. The project brings together local stories, culture, and railway heritage, giving a creative boost to the reopening of the connection. This fulfils a motion passed by the Provincial Council.