Exciting Theatre Experiences in Castles and Chateaus

Castle Baroque Theatre in Český Krumlov

Castle Theatre located in Český Krumlov is remarkable in several ways. It is one of the oldest Baroque castle theatres in Central Europe. Due to the preservation of stage technology, sets, costumes, and decorations in their original condition, it holds the title of being the most thoroughly preserved Baroque theatre of its kind globally. Performances still take place here today, particularly during the summer for the Chamber Music Festival and in September for the Festival of Baroque Arts. Every year, this castle theatre showcases the modern world premiere of a selected Baroque opera in a full-scale, dramatic performance. A special tour route is dedicated to the theatre, where groups of up to twenty visitors are allowed. However, keep in mind that the tours are available only from May through the end of October.

Castle Theatre in Litomyšl

The Renaissance castle in Litomyšl also has a captivating Baroque theatre dating back to the late 18th century, and similar to Český Krumlov, it continues to host performances today. It is much more accessible to get to and enjoy the experience in the auditorium for a while. The castle theatre is part of the tour route called Castle behind the Wallenstein family (the basic tour). Alongside the beautiful green and blue salons, the Count’s study, the Countess’s salon, the guest bedroom, the coffee kitchen, and the reading room, you’ll have the chance to visit the “home theatre” of the Wallenstein-Vartenbergs from 1797. The theatre was commissioned by Count Jiří Josef of Wallenstein-Vartenberg, who along with his family actively participated in the plays. Lighthearted performances, especially conversational comedies, were particularly favored. The original stage equipment and lighting systems have been preserved. The decorations were created by the painter Josef Platzer, which also adorned the scenery of the Vienna Court Theatre and the Estates Theatre in Prague.

Castle Theatre in Mnichovo Hradiště

What remains of the original castle theatre from the late 18th century includes some backdrops of forest scenes, a rococo room, and the ceremonial hall, along with a portal shield backdrop, decorative figures of vases and lions, and most importantly, the original main castle hall that stretches across the first and second floors of Mnichovo Hradiště castle. This site is fairly easy to reach, as the theatre tour is part of the second visitor Tour known as Theatre and the Holy Alliance. In this tour, you’ll not only see the theatre set but also the interiors that were renovated in 1833 for the gathering of the Sovereigns of the Holy Alliance. You can explore a collection of theatrical costumes and props used in performances during that event, and delve into an armory.

Baroque Theatre in Valtice Castle

In 1790, the Baroque theatre within the Valtice castle complex was inaugurated during the visit of Emperor Leopold II. It faced destruction in the 1940s and 1950s due to war-related events and unkind interventions during the communist era. Today, it has been beautifully restored to its original state and invites visitors to enjoy an interactive tour called A Journey Behind the Scenes of Baroque Theatre. During this tour, you will witness a live Baroque opera and learn about the functions of the stage machinery and the original equipment, which you will also have the opportunity to try out. A stroll around the theatre and its facilities offers insights into not only a sample of performances from the Princes’ seats but also the lives of artists and engineers. You’ll also learn about the unique role of a theatre attendant, who might create sound effects like rain or thunder. The tour culminates with a film screening depicting the restoration and reconstruction of the castle theatre, allowing you to appreciate the contrast between its historical state and the newly restored theatre. Besides the regular tours, the theatre remains active as a performance venue. Recently, one of Mozart’s works had its premiere here.

Kačina Castle has a Classicist Theatre

Theatre at Kačina Castle was officially opened on November 4, 1851. For nearly twenty years, it was actively used, featuring performances of plays written by Rudolf Karel Chotek, the great-grandson of the castle’s founder and a key figure in fostering the local theatre scene. The auditorium accommodates nearly 350 spectators and boasts two galleries, with a count’s box adorned with wallpaper located centrally behind the ground-floor rows. The stage portal stretches almost seven meters wide, and above it hangs a high ropeway, designed to hoist brochures, which was a rarity in castle theatres of that period. Additionally, revolving stands for placing lighting lamps have been preserved. Today, irregular concerts and theatre productions continue to be held here. It hosts a notable event known as the Makačino festival – a festival celebrating the castle theatre known as the Little Kachina Theatre. You can experience the theatre as part of a tour route that includes the Chotek Library, Castle Theatre, and Chapel.

Theatre at the Kozel Castle

Kozel Castle was built by Jan Vojtěch Černín of Chudenice as a country residence near Št’ahlav in the Pilsen region between 1784 and 1789. The straightforward four-winged structure in Classicist style remains largely unchanged today. In 1816, the castle came under the ownership of Kristian of Wallenstein. By 1830, at the Count’s initiative, the old stable in the north entrance wing of the castle was transformed into a small theatre featuring artistic elements of Late Classicism, which has survived in almost perfect condition to the present day. This theatre encompasses everything essential: a stage equipped with a help booth and a five-meter long auditorium. The stage features three pairs of side scenery, three strips of suites, and a rear proscenium. The side sets, which can be moved using wheels from the underside, are manipulated in sets of three on wooden tracks fixed to the floor and within the ropeway. Oil lamps located on either side of the help booth likely served as the primary lighting for the stage. The individual scenes in the scenery depict a forest landscape, the ruins of Radyně Castle, the Blue Room, and the Grey Room. In addition, the decorative set includes separate sets like a tree, a chapel, a wooden fence, and four single and double doors alongside a side set that illustrates a corner of a house complete with a door, window, and roof. Viewers can explore the theatre as part of a basic tour called the Castle Route.

Revolving Auditoriums, Forest Theatres, and Other Open-Air Venues

A unique attraction worldwide is a theatre stage with a revolving auditorium, set in the picturesque natural surroundings of the Český Krumlov Castle Gardens, situated close to the Bellarie Summer Palace. During the summer evenings, visitors can enjoy open-air opera, ballet, and drama performances from mid-June until early September. You can find details about the repertoire and today’s performances at the Český Krumlov Information Centre. Additionally, a Nature Theatre can be found in the garden of the rococo castle in Nové Hrady near Litomyšl; and the Natural Theatre in the Konopiště Chateau Park once hosted the National Theatre. Music festivals, concerts, and operas continue to be celebrated here.

Another enchanting venue is the Forest Theatre in Sloup, established in 1920 near Sloup Castle. It suffered considerable damage in the 1960s and was not restored until 2004. Since that time, the theatre has once again hosted performances, offering a unique atmosphere during the summer months. Another forest theatre can be found in the town of Řevnice, which is home to the Řevnice Theatre Company. In Prague, the open-air theatre scene at Vyšehrad is particularly popular, featuring performances every summer until early September. Opera enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Opera in Šárka each year—a delightful open-air opera show held in the amphitheater located in Šárka, Prague.