A bronze sculpture stands proudly before the Landesbühnen Sachsen. It’s Reinhard Dietrich’s “Wende” a fitting tribute to a theater that has navigated significant changes. The Landesbühnen Sachsen is more than just a theater. It’s a testament to resilience creativity and a deep connection to Saxony’s rich cultural heritage.
From humble beginnings in 1945 a small group of Dresdeners gave concerts near Dresden. Lacking resources they persevered. They called themselves the Volksoper Dresden. On November 24 1945 they bravely premiered Ruggero Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci”. This marked a powerful rebirth of culture in a city still reeling from the war. The Volksoper performed in various locations around Dresden. This wasn’t easy but they found a way.
In 1949 the Landesverband der Volksbühne took over. They renamed the company Landesoper Sachsen. Soon after they moved to their current home in Radebeul’s “Goldene Weintraube”. This happened in 1950. The location held significance as it was near the home of the former Generalmusikdirektor of the Dresden Semperoper Ernst von Schuch and his wife. Puccini’s Tosca opened the new theater. Weber’s Der Freischütz followed soon after.
In 1951 actors from Schwerin’s Maxim-Gorki-Theater joined. The Landesoper and the Landesschauspiel merged. The company took its current name Landesbühnen Sachsen. Reinhold Langner a sculptor adorned the building with beautiful wood reliefs. These depicted scenes from plays. The Landesbühnen Sachsen has always been adaptable and innovative.
The Landesbühnen Sachsen’s orchestra was once a vital part of the ensemble. But sadly in 2012 due to budget cuts it was disbanded. A portion of the musicians found positions in the Elbland Philharmonie Sachsen. The Landesbühnen Sachsen and the Elbland Philharmonie Sachsen now cooperate. This ensured that the musical legacy continued albeit in a different form.
The Landesbühnen Sachsen continues to evolve. In 2001 after extensive renovations lasting a year and a half the main building reopened. The building’s owners received the Radebeul Builders’ Prize. This was in the category of commercial and public buildings. This highlights the enduring importance of the Landesbühnen Sachsen in Radebeul.
Even today the Landesbühnen Sachsen remains a vibrant force. It presents a diverse repertoire that includes music theater plays ballets and concerts. It serves as a mobile theater. The Landesbühnen Sachsen performs in various locations throughout Saxony including the stunning Felsenbühne Rathen. From the initial struggles of a small group to its current status as one of Germany’s largest traveling theaters the Landesbühnen Sachsen’s story is inspiring. It’s a story of survival innovation and the enduring power of art. The Landesbühnen Sachsen thrives it adapts. It continues to bring joy and culture to the people of Saxony.