Helena Modrzejewska Theatre
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Helena Modrzejewska Theatre in Legnica, Poland - a state drama theater, operating in the building of the former opera-theater from the mid-19th century. In 1991 the building was entered into the register of historical monuments (district number: 590/963/L of 17.06.1991).[1]
The building of the theater was designed by Carl Ferdinand Langhans the younger, creator of the Breslau Opera House. It replaced the former cloth halls. The building was modelled on the Strozzi Palace in Florence. The ceremonial opening of the stage on 25 December 1842 was accompanied by the staging of Friedrich Halm's play "The Son of the Wilderness" (Der Sohn der Wildnis). The next performance was matched by such interest that soldiers from the local garrison were assigned to keep order, however, this did not prevent riots and breaking windows.
For almost the entire first century of its activity in the new building, the theater did not have a permanent ensemble and functioned on the basis of guest service (impresariat). Both theatrical performances as well as opera and operetta shows were performed.
Between 1891 and 1893, the building was adapted to fire regulations; evacuation routes and an iron curtain were installed. The theater was modernized again in 1938–1939.[2]
Multi-department theater
Since 1933, a permanent multi-departmental theater was opened in Liegnitz, headed by a commissary. Richard Rückert was the director of the theater from 1938 to 1943. During this time, both trivial farces and operettas were staged, as well as serious dramas and operas, including works by Wagner. Among the dramatic works, there was no shortage of works by Nazi supporters or German classics (Goethe, Schiller, Lessing), or contemporary works (such as Hauptmann's). Opera and theater came to an end in September 1944 with a majority of the actors being drafted into the military.
