Baroque Theatre in Litomyšl

The Baroque chateau theatre in the East Bohemian town of Litomyšl is one of the few in the world that has been preserved almost in its original form, including two curtains and sixteen stage sets, and today is a member of the elite club of world Baroque theatres. In the Czech Republic, there is only one other Baroque theatre that has survived until the present day and that can be found at the chateau in Český Krumlov.

Litomyšl Chateau, world tangible heritage inscribed on the UNESCO list, originates from the 16^th century, when Vratislav of Pernštejn commissioned the construction of a luxurious residence on the site of an ancient fortress. The theatre was built on the premises of the chateau at the end of the 18^th century by its then owner, who wanted to have the same standard of cultural life at his summer home as he had in Vienna in the winter. He did not let the vast debts that he incurred, which eventually forced him to sell the entire manor, discourage him from building the theatre.

The construction of the theatre began in 1796 and the first play was staged two years later. The theatre was frequently used until the 1830s. It could seat an audience of up to 150 and was built in one of the rooms on the ground floor of the chateau. Part of the theatre was a staircase connecting the stage with the theatre box of the Count’s family, whose members liked to act together with the real thespians. The audience was made up of noblemen and townsmen invited by the Count and they sat on the balconies, while the ground floor was reserved for the employees of Litomyšl Chateau.