Raimund-Theater

In 1890, a group of Viennese citizens dreamt of a “people’s theatre”. They envisioned a place where everyone, especially the working class, could enjoy affordable entertainment. This dream materialized as the Raimund-Theater. The Raimund-Theater opened its doors on November 28, 1893. The inaugural performance was Ferdinand Raimund’s play “Die gefesselte Phantasie” (“The Fettered Imagination”). The Raimund-Theater, located in Vienna’s Mariahilf district, was designed by architect Franz Roth. It was a marvel of its time, entirely illuminated by electricity. Initially, the Raimund-Theater focused on folk plays and vaudeville. Over time, it embraced operettas, hosting successful runs like Heinrich Berté’s “Das Dreimäderlhaus”. This operetta graced the Raimund-Theater’s stage over 1200 times between 1916 and 1927. Stars like Karl Skraup, Attila Hörbiger, Paula Wessely, Hansi Niese, Johannes Heesters, Zarah Leander, and Marika Rökk illuminated the stage during this era. After World War II, the Raimund-Theater, miraculously spared from bomb damage, reopened in 1945 with “Das Dreimäderlhaus”. The Raimund-Theater continued its tradition of operettas under the direction of Rudolf Marik. In 1976, the Raimund-Theater began experimenting with musicals, including Kurt Weill’s “Lady in the Dark”. A major renovation in 1985 marked a turning point. The Raimund-Theater joined the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien (VBW) in 1987, solidifying its role as a premier venue for large-scale musical productions. Since then, the Raimund-Theater has hosted a spectacular array of musicals. These include “A Chorus Line,” “Les Misérables,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Dance of the Vampires,” and many more. The Raimund-Theater stands as a testament to the enduring power of dreams and the transformative nature of art. From its humble beginnings as a “people’s theatre,” it has evolved into a cherished Viennese institution, captivating audiences for over a century.