Grein A historical view looking into the auditorium proves that the area and its furnishings have changed very little over more than two centuries. An engraving from Georg Matthäus Vischer’s “Austria’s Topography” (1864) captures an overall view of the town of Grein, situated between the Danube and the hill on which the Greinburg Castle stands. An old photo displayed in the theatre’s museum shows the original curtain with an architectural motif, something that was popular in Vienna during the 1790s. It disappeared, along with the prompter’s box and the lighting ramp, after the stage was modernized. Another photograph captures a group of amateur actors, most likely in the very early part of the 20th century. Painted borders hang above the stage and were apparently a part of the original theatrical scenery at the end of the 18th century. The stage is really too small to accommodate a large number of actors. However, this did not pose much of a problem during the staging of the popular, undemanding conversation pieces. MNICHOVO HRADIŠTĚ STAVOVSKÉ DIVADLO Kačina Litomyšl Český Krumlov Weitra (Vitoraz) Grein Theatre an der Wien Graz – SchauspielHAUS Graz – OPERA HISTORY In addition to the wooden seats, equipped with locks in the front rows, the audience also had access to toilets installed in the side walls and separated from the auditorium only by drapes. The current curtain dates back to 1928, when it apparently replaced the original. The painting on it – a view of the town of Grein – was made according to a painting that can be seen in the castle museum. The original furnishings and decorations have been preserved, both on the auditorium’s main floor as well as on the wooden balcony. The small theatre in Grein, which is the oldest preserved public theatre in all of Austria, has an extraordinary atmosphere. Interiors Some of the preserved costumes are today valuable historical memorabilia. Starched collars were also an indispensable part of theatre and social attire. The former jail was adjacent to the auditorium and the prisoners could watch the theatre performances. Today it is used as a dressing room and costume storage area. Some of the costumes are among the oldest preserved theatre items. The theatre museum’s collections include, for example, several pairs of historical shoes. Until the early 20th century gloves were a necessary fashion accessory not just for actors. Costumes