Stadttheater Fürth

If you're planning a visit to Fürth in Bavaria, Germany, the Stadttheater Fürth is an absolute must-see. Nestled in the heart of the city, between the Frauenkirche and the Rathaus, this architectural gem boasts a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene that will captivate any visitor.

A Glimpse into History

The Stadttheater Fürth was constructed between 1901 and 1902, designed by the renowned Viennese architectural firm Fellner & Helmer. These architects were initially commissioned to design a Schillertheater in Czernowitz (now Ukraine), but due to financial constraints, those plans were put on hold. Instead, the plans were adapted for the theater in Fürth. Interestingly, the theater in Czernowitz was eventually built in 1904-1905, with only minor differences in the facade materials, making the two theaters almost identical twins.

Before the current Stadttheater, Fürth had a modest classical theater built in 1816, which no longer met fire safety regulations and had become too small for the growing city. The need for a more representative building led to the establishment of a theater committee in 1898, which launched a fundraising campaign. Remarkably, within a week, the citizens of Fürth donated 283,873 marks, covering a quarter of the new theater's construction costs. Notably, the Jewish community, which made up a significant portion of Fürth's population, contributed nearly 60% of the donations.

A Masterpiece of Architecture

The Stadttheater Fürth is a stunning example of neo-Baroque architecture, with its interior designed in the style of Rococo revival. Fellner & Helmer drew inspiration from Italian Renaissance and Baroque forms, incorporating elements of Parisian architecture from around 1900, such as the Petit Palais. The theater's interior is richly decorated, with intricate designs that make it a unified work of art.

The theater's facade is adorned with six portrait medallions and busts of prominent figures from the world of music and drama, all of whom are representatives of German-speaking art. The music world is represented by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Richard Wagner, while the literary world is represented by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, and Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. Above the entrance, a colossal statue of a female figure holding a burning torch stands, symbolizing enlightenment and possibly alluding to the myth of Orpheus, who could charm even wild animals with his music.

A Hub of Cultural Activity

The Stadttheater Fürth has been a cultural beacon since its grand opening on September 17, 1902, with a performance of Beethoven's Fidelio. Over the years, it gained a reputation for premiering operettas, some of which were conducted by the composers themselves, such as Eduard Künneke and Paul Lincke. The theater also served as a launchpad for many artists, including Werner Krauss and Emil Jannings.

In 1920, the theater came under municipal administration and sought to produce its own plays and operettas, moving away from its previous dependency on Nuremberg. Despite the challenges of the war years and the theater's temporary conversion into a cinema for American soldiers after World War II, the Stadttheater Fürth continued to thrive.

A New Era of Independence

By 1952, the theater was returned to the city, and efforts were made to restore its former glory. A major renovation took place between 1969 and 1970, addressing structural and safety issues, and the theater reopened with a production of Arthur Schnitzler's Professor Bernardi. Under the leadership of Kraft-Alexander zu Hohenlohe-Oehringen from 1972 to 1990, the theater established itself as a venue for international guest performances, including those by the Scottish Opera Glasgow, the Warsaw National Opera, and the Prague National Theater.

The Three-Stage Model

Since 1990, the Stadttheater Fürth has been under the direction of Werner Müller, who introduced the innovative Three-Stage Model. This model transitioned the theater from hosting guest performances to co-productions with other theaters and eventually to regular in-house productions. The theater now boasts a repertoire of ten to twelve productions per season, often focusing on themes relevant to Fürth's history and contemporary issues.

In 1998, the theater received the Bavarian Theater Prize for its production Die Ware Liebe oder Das ist der Mond über Soho with Jutta Czurda. The theater celebrated its centenary in 2003 with another extensive renovation and has since expanded its reach by also utilizing the stage at the former slaughterhouse, now the Kulturforum Fürth. In 2005, the theater established a youth club, which has received several awards, including the Culture Promotion Prize of the City of Fürth in 2010 and the IHK Culture Prize of the Middle Franconian Economy in 2011.

Today, the Stadttheater Fürth stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to the arts. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply looking for an evening of entertainment, the Stadttheater Fürth offers an unforgettable experience that beautifully blends the past with the present.