Landestheater Niederösterreich

In the heart of St. Pölten, the capital of Lower Austria, stands the illustrious Landestheater Niederösterreich, a beacon of culture and history. This theater, with its storied past and vibrant present, offers an enchanting journey through time and art, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.

A Historical Journey

The Landestheater Niederösterreich's origins date back to 1820 when a military prison was transformed into a theater by the master builder Josef Schwerdtfeger. The theater's first operator, Leopold Hoch, and his wife were not only the entrepreneurs behind this venture but also part of the performing ensemble. The theater's grand opening on December 26, 1820, was marked by a dance event, followed the next day by its first theatrical performance. This dual-purpose venue also served as a ballroom, reflecting the cultural aspirations of the time.

The theater's early years were a mix of promise and struggle. A guidebook from the Biedermeier period, Wien’s Umgebungen auf zwanzig Stunden im Umkreise by Adolf Schmidl, mentioned the theater, noting its potential if better illuminated. Financial difficulties led to its closure in the 1847/1848 season, after which it was sold to the city and became the Stadttheater. Following the devastating Ringtheater fire in 1881, the building was deemed unsafe for theatrical performances and was used solely as a ballroom until 1893, when it underwent a significant reconstruction by Heinrich Wohlmeyer. The revamped theater featured an expanded stage, a larger orchestra pit, and seating for 500 spectators.

Resilience Through Adversity

The theater's journey through the 20th century was marked by closures, mergers, and wartime devastation. In the 1927/28 season, the theater was shuttered, only to reopen as part of a theater union with Baden, Krems, and Bruck an der Leitha. This union dissolved in 1931, and the theater reopened in 1933, although it operated as a guest theater from 1935 to 1938. During World War II, the building was repurposed as an SS quarters and storage facility, suffering bomb damage that destroyed its roof. Remarkably, the theater reopened in 1948, initially functioning as an open-air venue due to the lack of a roof.

Between 1966 and 1969, the theater underwent another major renovation, led by Paul Pfaffenbichler, reducing its seating capacity to 411 but modernizing its facilities. The theater also gained a second performance space, the Theater on the Rehearsal Stage, later renamed the Studio of Time, which operated until 1986. In 1996, the theater was renovated again, and in 2002, the Theater Workshop, a second venue with 120 seats, was added.

A Modern Renaissance

In the 1990s, the theater was known as the Theater of the State Capital St. Pölten – Theater for Lower Austria. The theater in its current form has existed since the 2005/06 season, when it was taken over by the state and renamed the Landestheater Niederösterreich. This transition marked its focus solely on spoken theater. The foyer of the Great House and the Theater Café were redesigned in 2012, blending modern elements with the historic ambiance of the building.

Accolades and Recognition

The Landestheater Niederösterreich has garnered numerous accolades over the years, reflecting its artistic excellence and cultural impact. In 2011, Isabella Suppanz, the theater's artistic director at the time, was nominated for a special prize at the Nestroy Theater Awards for her role in the theater's resurgence. Subsequent years saw several nominations and awards for performances and productions, including best supporting roles, best provincial performances, and newcomer awards.

Notably, in 2016, the theater won the Nestroy Theater Award for Best Provincial Performance for Lichter der Vorstadt, directed by Alexander Charim. In 2020, the theater received two Nestroy Theater Awards: Best Newcomer for Mathias Spaan's dramatization and direction of Die Nibelungen, and Best Provincial Performance for Rikki Henry's production of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. These accolades underscore the theater's commitment to artistic innovation and excellence.

Leadership and Vision

The theater's leadership has played a crucial role in its evolution. Since 2016/17, Marie Rötzer has served as the artistic director, continuing the legacy of her predecessors and guiding the theater into a new era of creativity and cultural significance. Under her leadership, the Landestheater Niederösterreich continues to enchant audiences with its diverse repertoire and innovative productions.

In conclusion, the Landestheater Niederösterreich is not just a theater; it is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of the arts. Its rich history, coupled with its modern renaissance, makes it a cultural gem in St. Pölten. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a theater lover, or a curious traveler, a visit to this iconic venue promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates the past while embracing the future.