Mecklenburg State Theatre [Schwerin]
Theatre building in Schwerin, Germany, opened in 1883
opera in Mecklenburg-Voor-Pommeren, Duitsland
Mecklenburg State Theatre
No heritage stage machinery contact Perspectiv: Joachim Kümmritz, Geschäftsführer, Intendant
In the square facing the fairy-tale style palace of the dukes of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, the arts have been given two palaces of their own: the theatre and the museum buildings. The theatre opened on 3 October 1886, successor to a number of earlier theatre buildings in the city, commissioned by Grand duke Friedrich Franz III and designed by Georg Daniel. The architect created a neo-Renaissance facade and a neo-Baroque auditorium with three tiers, seating 540 spectators, as well as noteworthy foyers. On top of the fascinating architec ture, a figuratively painted main curtain, a stage organ and sound machines, all from the late 19th century, have been preserved. The resident repertory company produces plays, operas, operetta, ballet, puppet theatre and plays in the local dialect and performs almost every day.
Skeleton plan of auditorium, III. PL opp. p. 62 ; Diagram of box-front line, III. p. 62 ; Diagram showing lighting of stage, III. p. 108 ; Stage: Descriptive text, III. S. pp. 34-36; Plan of stage floor, III. S. p. 34 ; Details, III. S. p. 35 ; Stage: Longitudinal and transverse sections, III. S. PL opp. p. 35.
Built 1883-1886 as Hoftheater by Georg Daniel as Hoftheater for Granddukes Friedrich Franz II. and Friedrich Franz III. of Mecklenburg, on the site of a previous theatre (destroyed by a fire in 1882). Painted curtain by Ernst Hartmann. Opened 3 Oct 1886 with Gluck's Iphigénie en Aulide. The complex included a theatre and a concert hall. Ca. 1919 renamed Mecklenburgisches Staatstheater. 1943 conversion of concert hall into a chamber theatre. 1964-1968 alterations of foyer decoarations. 1984-1987 stage modernization, interior restorations, extension by a technical building. Capacity: 650 seats (main auditorium), 240 seats (chamber theatre). Used for opera, ballet, and drama performances by the resident companies.