“In diesem Haus lebte Burgschauspieler Romuald Pekny” reads the inscription here on the Romuald Pekny Plaque. This plaque commemorates a distinguished Austrian actor. He was known for his stage and film roles. Romuald Pekny was born in Vienna on July 1 1920. He passed away in Linz on November 9 2007.
Pekny’s journey to the stage began later in life. After school he pursued a commercial apprenticeship. At 26 he enrolled in Vienna’s Max Reinhardt Seminar. He trained to become an actor. His debut was at the Schlosstheater Schöbrunn. He then had engagements in Linz Basel Cologne and Munich.
From 1958 he was a fixture at the Münchner Kammerspiele for decades. He played key roles in Fritz Kortner’s productions. These included Timon of Athens Othello and Richard III. He also starred in Dieter Dorn’s productions such as Mephisto in Goethe’s Faust.
From 1966 Pekny focused on classical roles at the Burgtheater. He again played Jago in Othello under Kortner. Other roles included Enobardus in Antonius and Cleopatra. He also played Kaiser Rudolf II in Grillparzer’s Ein Bruderzwist in Habsburg. He received the Grillparzer Ring in 1982 for this role. He also took on modern dramas. He played Werner in Sartre’s Die Eingeschlossenen and Salieri in Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus.
Pekny was a regular at the Salzburg Festival from the 1960s. He appeared as Theseus and Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He also played Theodor in Hofmannsthal’s Der Unbestechliche. Other roles included Alceste in Molière’s Der Menschenfeind. He also played King Peter in Büchner’s Leonce and Lena.
Pekny also worked in film and television. He appeared in the TV series Der Kommissar Tatort and Derrick. In 1978 he played Ferdinand II in the TV mini-series Wallenstein. He also appeared in the films Der Schüler Gerber and 38.
He gained wider recognition for his roles in literary adaptations. These included Professor Bernhardi and Der Floh im Ohr.
Romuald Pekny’s notable stage roles included Nathan the Wise and Mephisto in Goethe’s Faust. He also performed recitations. He impressed audiences with classical ballads. He also portrayed Abraham a Santa Clara for ORF from 1975 to 1986.
In 1987 Romuald Pekny and his wife Eva Petrus-Pekny co-founded the Ausseer Kultursommer. He often performed readings there.
Romuald Pekny received many honors. He was named Kammerschauspieler in 1981. In 1986 he was awarded the title of Professor.
Pekny was buried in the Bergfriedhof in Linz. He had requested this even though he could have had an honorary grave in Vienna. His wife explained that they married in the Pöstlingberg Church. Their son Thomas was born in Linz. His acting career began in Linz.
Romuald Pekny left behind a rich legacy. He contributed significantly to Austrian theater film and television. This Romuald Pekny Plaque serves as a reminder of his talent and dedication.