Tribüne Linz

Tucked away in a courtyard of the Iron Hand Inn, the Tribüne Linz is a small theater that has been entertaining audiences in Linz, Upper Austria, for over two decades. The theater, which was formerly known as the Eisenhand-Theater, has a rich and varied history that reflects the changing landscape of the cultural scene in Linz.

From Cinema to Theater

The Tribüne Linz started out as the Eisenhand cinema, which was founded in 1950 by the brothers Ernst and Fritz Steiner. The cinema was one of the many smaller theaters that sprang up in Linz after World War II, offering a diverse range of films from Hollywood classics to European art-house movies. The cinema was popular among the locals, especially the younger generation, who enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and the affordable prices.

However, the Eisenhand cinema faced increasing competition from larger and more modern multiplexes, and was eventually forced to close in 1997. The building was then acquired by the Landestheater Linz, the state theater of Upper Austria, which renovated it and reopened it in 1998 as the Eisenhand venue. The venue had around 170 seats, and was used for smaller spoken plays and youth theater. The Eisenhand venue hosted many acclaimed productions, such as the adaptation of Franz Kafka’s The Trial, directed by Peter Stein, and the premiere of Elfriede Jelinek’s Jackie, starring Birgit Minichmayr.

A New Beginning

In 2013, the Landestheater Linz underwent a major reorganization, with the construction of the new Musiktheater, a state-of-the-art opera house. As part of the restructuring, the Eisenhand venue was closed, leaving the future of the theater uncertain. However, a group of private theater enthusiasts, led by Bernhard Mayer, Cornelia Metschitzer, and Rudi Müllehner, decided to take over the theater and give it a new lease of life. They renamed it the Tribüne Linz – Theater am Südbahnhofmarkt, reflecting its location near the South Railway Station market.

The Tribüne Linz is now an independent theater, with no public funding or subsidies. The theater relies on ticket sales, donations, and sponsorships to cover its costs. The theater has a year-round repertory of plays for adults and children, including works by Friedrich Dürrenmatt, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, and current playwrights. The theater also hosts guest performances, readings, concerts, and workshops. The theater aims to provide high-quality theater for a wide audience, with a focus on contemporary and socially relevant topics. The theater also strives to foster a dialogue with the local community, and to support young and emerging artists.

A Small Theater with a Big Impact

The Tribüne Linz may be a small theater, but it has a big impact on the cultural life of Linz. The theater attracts around 15,000 visitors per year, and has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The theater has also won several awards, such as the Upper Austrian Theater Prize in 2016, and the Austrian Theater Prize in 2019. The theater has also participated in several international festivals, such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Berliner Theatertreffen, and the Avignon Festival.

The Tribüne Linz is a theater that celebrates the power and diversity of theater, and the passion and creativity of its artists. The theater is a place where stories are told, emotions are shared, and ideas are challenged. The theater is a place where theater lovers can find inspiration, entertainment, and enjoyment. The Tribüne Linz is a small theater with a big history, and a big future.

Linz, Austria