Stadttheater Leoben

The Stadttheater Leoben holds the distinction of being the oldest theater in Austria that has been in continuous operation. In the year 2020, it proudly celebrated its 230th anniversary.

Plans to build a civic theater in Leoben were already underway in the 18th century.In 1790, the premises located at Homanngasse 5, which were commonly referred to as the “Hofstätter’s House,” underwent renovations to transform it into a theater.The majority of the financing for the conversion was undertaken by the public, who viewed the venue as a theater that belonged to and served the community.The theater was later managed by an association that generously donated the profits to charitable causes.By 1830, the theater boasted an acting company comprising 18 talented individuals.During this time, some of the most popular guests included Charles X, who was the King of France and Navarre, Maria Christina of Naples-Sicily, and Anton, the King of Saxony.

The building we see today was constructed in approximately 1850, designed in a classical style and consisting of two stories.Initially, only amateurs were present, but over time, a distinct ensemble began to take shape.In 1861, the theater underwent a change in ownership and received financial support from the municipality, marking the beginning of a new era.In 1864, the renowned playwright Ludwig Anzengruber was part of the professional team that presented a performance of Schiller’s Kabale und Liebe, among other notable individuals.The celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Stadttheater took place in 1891, albeit one year later than originally planned.Several premieres took place on this occasion, including Johann Nestroy’s play “The Evil Spirit Lumpacivagabundus,” Henrik Ibsen’s play “Ghosts,” and Carl Maria von Weber’s opera “Der Freischütz.”

During the 1898/99 season, operettas were introduced in Leoben for the first time, following their already remarkable success in Graz.At that time, the schedule featured performances of “Die Fledermaus” or “Der Zigeunerbaron” by Johann Strauss Sohn, as well as “Orpheus in the Underworld” by Jacques Offenbach.

Starting from 1900, there was a significant increase in popularity for the emerging Leoben theater. It gained great renown, to the point where court actors frequently sought opportunities to perform as guests.After its initial performance in Leoben in 1900/01, Goethe is Faust gained significant recognition. Subsequently, other notable plays such as Don Carlos, Die Räuber, Maria Stuart, Emilia Galotti, Othello, and Hamlet were performed in the following years.The theater’s success was momentarily interrupted by the outbreak of the First World War. During this time, there was a sudden decline in both audience attendance and staff availability. Additionally, the city subsidies that had been supporting the theater were discontinued.

In 1915, Robert Roberti, a director with a long-standing career, assumed control of the theater during the First World War. Thanks to him, the house was once again dedicated to serving charity, providing support to widows, orphans, and war hospitals.To divert the population’s attention from the war and acts of war, an increasing number of entertaining plays were staged.Following the conclusion of the war, the theater underwent a temporary transformation into a cinema in response to an economic emergency.In 1921, the building underwent a transformation and became the official city theater, complete with a permanent ensemble.One of the highlights of the 1920s was a guest performance by Paula Wessely. At the time, she was relatively unknown but would later become the wife of Attila Hörbiger and mother to Christiane Hörbiger, Elisabeth Orth, and Maresa Hörbiger. This performance took place in 1928.

During the 1930s, the theater industry was significantly impacted by the global economic crisis. Austria, in particular, experienced a decline in its economic situation, resulting in mostly empty tiers in theaters during this period.Furthermore, the ensemble was aware of the crisis and agreed to receive its fee in installments.Additionally, there was a shortage of funds to commemorate the 140th anniversary.During the anniversary week, plays such as “Faust” and “Grillparzer’s Woe to the Lies!” were featured.However, despite the escalating political tension, theater attendance did not increase. The outbreak of the Second World War further impacted the situation.

After Austria was annexed by the Nazi-ruled German Reich, the Stadttheater Leoben underwent a name change and became known as the Alpengaubühne.However, this name did not endure for long, and the theater’s name was once again changed to Steirisches Landestheater.However, the event was no longer held in Leoben; instead, it was relocated to the provincial capital, Graz.In 1941, to celebrate its 150th anniversary, the ensemble of the Stadttheater Baden performed a guest rendition of the tragedy Die Nibelungen in Montanstadt.After the Second World War, there were efforts to establish a three-city theater in Leoben, Bruck a der Mur, and Kapfenberg. The goal was to create a new independent ensemble for this theater initiative.

One notable event in the 1940s was the outdoor performance of “Jedermann” by Hugo von Hofmannsthal in 1949. Attila Hörbiger assumed the title role against the backdrop of the Leoben parish church.However, this performance marked the final collaboration of the municipal ensemble due to economic constraints.In 1962, Robert Roberti, a director who had been with the theater for many years, retired at the age of 80. He had taken over the theater when he was just 33 years old.After three years, the theater underwent a complete renovation of its interior. The only element that was preserved from the historicism period was the stucco ceiling.One year later, the theater commemorated its 175th anniversary by hosting the Austrian premiere of Haydn’s opera, “Unfaithfulness Does not Pay.”

In the two decades that followed, the Stadttheater Leoben primarily served as a venue for the Vereinigte Bühnen Graz and various touring stages.

In the 1990s, there was a slight reduction in the number of plays, but Leoben continued to attract renowned actors, entertainers, and cabaret artists who were invited to perform repeatedly.Many artists, particularly Austrian ones, such as Götz George, OW Fischer, Senta Berger, Otto Schenk, Alfons Haider, and Elfriede Ott, have graced the stage of the Stadttheater as guests.Regularly booked guests at the venue include the duo of Dorothee Steinbauer and Wolfgang Dobrowsky, as well as cabaret artists like Thomas Stipsits from Leoben and his long-time friend and colleague Manuel Rubey.

In 1995, a collaborative project between the Stadttheater, the music and art school in Leoben, and the University of Art in Graz marked the first-ever performance of the operetta “Die Fledermaus.” This production showcased the fusion of musical and operetta elements.By 2009, there had been 15 performances of various plays.Horst Zander, Hannes Moscher, and Karl-Heinz Tint, along with their group of talented individuals, were honored with the prestigious culture prize of the city of Leoben for their exceptional artistic contributions.Since 2010, Leoben has been hosting renowned Austrian operetta ensembles as guests on an annual basis.Furthermore, the association Junge Bühne Leoben was founded to continue the tradition of the Leoben children’s fairy tale and to perform a variety of fairy tale productions.During a Leoben municipal council meeting in May 2019, a budget of over 300,000 euros was approved for the cultural sector. Out of this amount, 37,000 euros will be allocated towards the renovation of the seating and the renewal of the curtains in the Stadttheater.A significant portion of the funds is allocated for the theater schedule and concerts in the upcoming 2019/20 season.In addition, during the 2019/20 period, the Stadttheater underwent an expansion that incorporated the premises of a jeweler located on the corner of Homanngasse and Straußgasse. This particular branch of the jeweler had previously been closed.

The Leoben City Theater, currently under the direction of Gerhard Samberger, the cultural manager and head of the Presidential Department of the City of Leoben, has a seating capacity of 283 and can accommodate 105 standing guests. Gerhard Samberger has been leading the theater since January 1, 2003.The building located at Homanngasse 5 is protected as a monument.