Burgtheater

“If they perform it in Vienna, it will surely be the biggest theater scandal of the Second Republic!“ When Elfriede Jelinek announced her then-latest play, a “wicked farce with singing,“ in 1981, not even she suspected that BURGTHEATER would establish her reputation as a “traitor“ even without the originally planned premiere at the Burgtheater. A famous family of actors, murmuring and whispering in a murderous artificial language: for the Swiss director and Vienna Festival artistic director Milo Rau, to whom Jelinek now granted exclusive rights for a late Burgtheater premiere, these would be just some of the starting points for a larger theatrical panopticon: publicity and adaptation, history (of the BURG, the theater, and Europe), fascism and repression.

duration: 2 hours 15 minutes - no interval

program

Burgtheater
nach Elfriede Jelinek in einer Bearbeitung von Milo Rau und Ensemble

Eine Koproduktion mit den Wiener Festwochen

Place

Wiener Burgtheater – The Stage of Great Drama and Timeless Classics

The Wiener Burgtheater, often referred to as Austria’s "first stage," is one of the most prestigious and influential German-speaking theaters in Europe. Founded in 1741, it has shaped the theatrical landscape for centuries, standing for artistic excellence, literary classics, and contemporary productions.

Located on Vienna’s Ringstrasse, the Burgtheater is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a place where great playwrights such as Goethe, Schiller, Shakespeare, Arthur Schnitzler, Thomas Bernhard, and Elfriede Jelinek come to life through groundbreaking performances. With its renowned ensemble and innovative direction, the theater masterfully combines tradition with modernity, captivating thousands of theatergoers every year.

Getting There by Public Transport

Subway:

• U2 – Rathaus station (approx. 5-minute walk)

Tram:

• Lines 1, D, 71 – Rathausplatz/Burgtheater stop
• Lines 2, 46 – Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring stop

Bus:

• Line 13A – Theater in der Josefstadt stop (approx. 10-minute walk)

Thanks to its prime location on Vienna’s Ringstrasse, the Burgtheater is easily accessible by public transport.

Burgtheater Vienna – Where Theater Comes to Life at the Highest Level

With its stunning productions, world-class ensemble, and rich history, the Burgtheater Vienna is the beating heart of Austria’s cultural scene and an absolute must for those who love the magic of theater.