Ekhof-Theater

The Ekhof Theater (1681-1687)

The Ekhof Theater at Schloss Friedenstein is a unique monument of theater history and the cradle of modern-day theater culture. It is considered to be the most fully preserved of its 17th century in its original wooden stage technique. Also visit the exhibition on the history of the theater "Baroque magic stage".

The special

The baroque German singing game as well as the French and Italian operas were very elaborately and effectively designed. They required a professional stage setup. Thus, under Duke Frederick I of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (1646-1691), a set stage with rapid transformation was created in several construction phases from 1681 to 1687, which enabled a rapid change of scenery. Invented in Italy in the mid-17th century, this type was to characterize the stage technique of European theater for more than two hundred years. Such machines are only rarely preserved because of their wooden substance, the Gothaer is the oldest known in the world.

The stage machine

The wings on the left and right side of the scene are in so-called scenery cars, which are located under the stage. Thus, the scenes along the slots in the stage floor, the "free rides", out of the field of view of the audience and be driven back in again.

Three sets of wings are placed directly behind each other, thus enabling three successive changes to the stage design. In order to astonish the audience, the scenes, the backseat and the stage "Soffitten" can be transformed at the same time, all parts are connected to each other with a sophisticated system of ropes and corrugated trees. Within seconds, a complete stage set can be replaced. Effect machines such as airframes, sinkers, thunder pit and wind machine complement the baroque theater pleasure.

Conrad Ekhof and his theater

The year 1775 is significant for the history of the German theater. In this year, Duke Ernst II of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg founded the first standing German court theater here - a theater ensemble that served the Duke and exclusively recorded the castle theater. Now the doors of the theater also opened for the paid bourgeoisie of the city. The directorate was actor Conrad Ekhof (1720-1778), who had been guesting at the Gothaer Hof since 1774, the "father of German drama". Theater history was also written in other respects at the Gothaer Hof: in 1774/75, the court composer Georg Anton Benda (1722-1795) "invented" Ariadne auf Naxos, the widely popular musical theater style of melodrama.

For three years, from 1775 to 1778, the court theater formed a focal point of German theater life. In memory of the heyday of the theater, the auditorium can be seen in the color version of 1775.

 

The Ekhof Festival

Since 1969, the Gothaer Schloßtheater is again regularly recorded. The Ekhof Festival, which takes place every year during the summer months, rediscovers unknown but quality works of the 18th century for our time. The pieces are presented in historical productions with matching stage design and costumes. With only 165 seats, an intimate theater experience with spectacular Baroque effects is guaranteed.

 Outside the events of the festival, the theater can be visited all year round as a theater museum as part of the castle tour. Tickets are available at the main cash desk.

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Address: Foundation Schloss Friedenstein Gotha Castle Friedenstein, 99867 Gotha

    Mailing address: Foundation Schloss Friedenstein Gotha, PF 10 03 19, 99853 Gotha     Telephone: 0049 (0) 3621 8234-11 Fax: 0049 (0) 3621 8234-63     Responsible for the content: Dr. Martin Eberle, Foundation Director V.i.S.d.P .:

Dr. Roland Krischke, Director Communication and Education

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