Schauspielhaus Graz (Austria) during the coronavirus outbreak
An empty theatre is a sorry sight. Especially after a season in which the Schauspielhaus Graz received an overwhelming amount of support and popularity from its audience. Productions from Graz were invited to a range of international festivals such as the Heidelberger Stückemarkt (jedermann (stirbt) by Ferdinand Schmalz) and the Mülheimer Theatertage (Bookpink by Caren Jeß). Moreover, Schauspielhaus was invited to co-produce plays for the Autorentheatertage Berlin (Schleifpunkt by Maria Ursprung) and the Ruhrfestspiele Recklingshausen (Sterntagebücher by Stanislaw Lem), and much more.
The motion picture Die Revolution frisst ihre Kinder! (“The Revolution Devours its Children!”) by Jan-Christoph Gockel, produced by the Schauspielhaus, was invited to compete in the Diagonale’20, Austria’s international film festival, which would have soon been opening in Graz. The film is the result of a five-week trip that members of the ensemble and crew took to Burkina Faso. It was a successful theatrical and artistic experiment.
But due to the current situation, the Diagonale had to be cancelled, and important German festivals were postponed.
All performances at Schauspielhaus Graz had to be called off as well until at least 13 April and all artistic and non-artistic staff are currently at home. Nevertheless, behind the scenes, the artistic director Iris Laufenberg and her team have been busy (re-)planning the next season as well as creating digital content to cheer up, entertain and inform their audience. As the saying goes: “The show must go on”.
Therefore, the ensemble of the Schauspielhaus Graz is still performing – currently from their homes. Through short videos, they are presenting self-made interpretations of scenes from former, current and future productions at Schauspielhaus Graz. Taking place in domestic spaces, these videos give the scenes a fresh and often funny new meaning.
This social media campaign named #dramazuhause (drama at home) can be found on the Schauspielhaus’ Facebook and Instagram channels – alongside the campaign #bestofschauspielhaus which presents the favourite production trailers from both former and current seasons.
And there is still more to come! Schauspielhaus Graz is looking forward to streaming theatre productions as well as hosting a digital festival.
©Schauspielhaus Graz
