Český Krumlov Ferdinand Runk, View of Český Krumlov Castle (1824). The Castle Theatre is located in the back left. The view of the castle has not changed much since the beginning of the 19th century. Ground plan of the older Eggenberg Theatre built sometime after 1680 and including proposed modifications, probably dating back to 1756. The plan was drawn when preparing for the reconstruction of the older theatre, which was in poor condition, into its current appearance. The plans, dated 1879, for repairing the roof trusses in the Castle Theatre. The supports for the sagging rafters were the only major change completed in the theatre during the 19th century. The restoration of the theatre took more than thirty years after it was closed in 1966. The photo shows the stage in 1990. Photo: Věroslav Škrabánek View of the fifth courtyard with the theatre from the Castle Gallery. The exterior of the unpretentious building is in no way an indication of the treasures to be found inside. Photo: Bruno Kerschner (c. 1940) MNICHOVO HRADIŠTĚ STAVOVSKÉ DIVADLO Kačina Litomyšl Český Krumlov Weitra (Vitoraz) Grein Theatre an der Wien Graz – SchauspielHAUS Graz – OPERA History In the 18th century the theatre was lighted by oil or tallow lamps and candles. Today’s electrical lighting tries to recreate the original character of the ingenious former lighting. The backdrops and borders are located in the cramped space of the fly loft, which must also accommodate the border lighting. The machinery in the fly loft was used to control the changing of the scenery. The ropes from the shaft lead to the scenery suspended above the stage. The main shaft beneath the stage controls the changing of the wing flats. These are attached to movable frames that come out from under the stage, through slits in the floor, to their position on the stage. Three trap mechanisms are located in the floor. Their operation is made easier by a stone counterweight, and they are used for the sudden appearance and disappearance of actors from the stage. Technology In the 18th century, the theatre’s equipment included a wave machine. This example from Český Krumlov was reconstructed using preserved fragments in 2006. The curtain, like much of the theatrical scenery, was painted prior to the completion of the theatre’s reconstruction in 1766. It presents a characteristic allegorical theme: cupids with typical attributes and the goddess Pallas Athena celebrating the liberal arts. The extensive collection of scenery and theatrical props includes this shopkeeper’s cart (including merchandise painted inside). The extensive scenery sets make it possible to recreate onstage all of the environments typical for the theatre of the mid-18th century, such as a street scene or a town square. The theatre’s collections include more than 150 period costumes ranging from the end of the 17th century to the early 20th century. For example, replicas of original official musicians’ livery are used for performances. Scenery