 Foto: Helga Hauke | pixelio.de
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Burgtheater |
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The Burgtheater (National Theatre) 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. 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 Universitätsring 2, A- 1010 Vienna |
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