The Burgtheater also known as 'Burg' or 'Haus am Ring' (House
at Ring boulevard) is situated in Vienna's first district opposite
of the city hall at famous Ring boulevard.
In 1741 Empress Maria Theresia handed over an unused dance-parlour
to a theatre-company named Sellier. In 1888, the company moved
into a closeby house designed and erected by Gottfried Semper
and C. von Hasenauer. Since then, this building was used as
theatre house. The beautiful facade, whose white marble has
recently been cleaned, is adorned with statues of famous writers
like Goethe and Schiller
and allegoric figures depicting love and hatred.
Inside, the Burgtheater provides a festive atmosphere for great
cultural events.
The Burgtheater has obtained a world-wide reputation for brilliant
dramatic art and is one of the first theaters of German-speaking
Europe. Over the years, its theatrical company of more or less
regular members has worked out a traditional style and speech
characteristic of Burgtheater performances ('Burgtheaterstil').
While its repertoire features many international highlights
as well, the Burgtheater is proud of its emphasis on Austrian
playwrights: Viennese heavyweights Arthur
Schnitzler, Ferdinand
Raimund or Johann
Nestroy are still favourites, Thomas
Bernhard used the stage for his notorious scandals and renowned
contemporary writers like Elfriede
Jelinek and Peter
Handke often stage their premiers in Vienna's Burgtheater.
The ensemble and the audience are always happy to celebrate
their stars: actors as well as directors. Claus Peymann, who
scandalized Vienna by reformating the 'Burg' and inviting a
younger audience by adapting the style and adding contemporary
plays to the repertoire, was as much hated as loved by media
and audience alike.
Burgtheater Dr.-Karl-Lueger-Ring 2, A- 1010 Vienna
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