The Burgtheater also known as
'Burg' or 'Haus am Ring' (House at Ring boulevard) is situated
in Vienna's first district. 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
