Volkstheater Deutsches#

Volkstheater (Deutsches), built in 1887-1889 by the theatre architects F. Fellner and H. Helmer in the 7th district in Vienna. It constituted a new form of theatre which was taken over by the theatres of many other towns in the Austrian Monarchy. Established by a group of Viennese townsmen ("Laube-Verein") as a contrast to the Hofburg theatre (Court Theatre) with the intention of making contemporary plays, popular plays (folk plays), classic plays and Austrian dramas accessible to a broader audience. Opened in 1889 with the premiere of "Der Fleck auf der Ehr´" by L. Anzengruber. Under its first directors, E. v. Bukovics (1889-1905), A. Weisse (1905-1916) and K. Wallner (1916-1918) many plays written by L. Anzengruber, H. Bahr, K. Schoenherr and H. Ibsen had their premiere at the Volkstheater. A. Bernau (1918-1924) laid particular emphasis on Expressionist dramas (e.g. G. Kaiser, W. Hasenclever, E. Toller), with the decor and costumes of O. Strnad; under R. Beer (1924-1932) the Volkstheater became a forum for the newest dramas (B. Brecht, A. Bronnen, P. Kornfeld, F. T. Csokor, who also was a dramatic adviser at the theatre), under R. Jahn (1932-1938) the theatre's sophisticated level gave way to a repertory of popular comedies and from 1938-1944 director W. B. Iltz used the Volkstheater as a mouthpiece for the Deutsche Arbeitsfront (National Socialist trade-union type association with compulsory membership). The building had been damaged during World War II and after the war was restored and re-opened for work in an initiative staged by actors and technicians. When the theatre was reopened in June 1945, R. Jahn became director for the second time, and its name was officially changed to "Volkstheater". From July 1945 G. Haenel became director and once again ran the Volkstheater as a controversial theatre committed to modern drama; its legal status was transformed into a Ges. m. b. H. (a business form similar to a private limited company) in 1948, and the Austrian Federation of Trade Unions (as legal successor of Deutsche Arbeitsfront) founded the Volkstheater community of sponsors. Director P. Barnay (1948-1952) was succeeded by director L. Epp (1952-1968). Under his management the V. experienced a new revival of many contemporary plays; dramas by A. Camus, J. Genet, J. P. Sartre, F. Duerrenmatt, M. Frisch, R. Hochhuth saw their première there and in 1963 the boycott of the works of Brecht in Austria was ended by the Volkstheater with the performance of "Mother Courage and Her Children". Together with the Chambers of Labour he founded the initiative "Volkstheater in den Aussenbezirken" (Volkstheater in Vienna´s outlying districts) in 1954. Director G. Manker (1969-1979) encouraged creative productions of Nestroy's plays and premièred works of young Austrian authors (such as W. Bauer, P. Turrini). Director P. Blaha (1979-1987) included political plays, popular plays (folk plays) and farces by playwrights from Nestroy to H. R. Unger in his repertory. The entire theatre was renovated in 1980/81, the auditorium and the stage were modernised, the façade renewed and the cupola, which had been destroyed in 1945 was reconstructed. The "Volkstheater-Studio" staged performances from 1981-1987, a small stage run by the Volkstheater troupe specifically for the purpose of performing contemporary drama. A school for acting was established in 1984 (closed in 1996). P. Blaha initiated a programme called "Volkstheater-extra" for events going beyond usual theatre performances. Today's director E. Werner (since 1988) pursues the original objective of the Volkstheater: to perform traditional and modern art, Austrian literature and international novelties to fulfil its cultural mission and to provide sophisticated entertainment. The cycles "Volkstheater Frontal" mainly feature premières and first performances (works by E. Jelinek, G. Jonke and I. Aichinger). "Am Plafond" and the "Spielbar" are small experimental stages. The series "V. spezial" featuring discussions on political and cultural topics, readings of renowned authors etc. complete the wide range of the repertoire. In 2000 ownership of the V. will pass on to a private foundation.

Literature#