In Haltern am See, a municipality in the Münster region of Germany, the new Lea Drüppel Theatre was inaugurated with an open day. This refurbished former cinema provides a stage for future musical productions by children and teenagers. In addition, this “stage for the arts” will host a wide variety of artistic events.

The first musical production, “Honk!“, will soon launch in this new cultural event location.

The theatre’s name was chosen to commemorate 15-year old student Lea Drüppel, one of the victims of the plane crash in the French Alps intentionally caused by the pilot. The town of Haltern was severely affected by this event, with 18 of the victims hailing from there. Lea Drüppel’s mother intended for this theatre to be a living memorial to her daughter, who didn’t only love and actively practice music, dance and theatre, but who was determined to make her way in these arts professionally.

Working together with Hans-Dieter Speikamp, former Managing Director of Evonik and responsible for financial and organisational aspects of the project, Anne Dümmel succeeded in having the former cinema refurbished. Work on the building in Haltern’s town centre was completed within half a year, and this was possible only thanks to the unbelievable commitment and generosity of many foundations, companies and private citizens.