Staatstheater Meiningen

On December 17, 1831, the ducal court theater in Meiningen opened with Auber's Fra Diavolo. The theater initially played annually changing theater companies. In 1866 George II took overthe regency in the duchy and at the same time the management of the theater. On his initiative, a permanent drama ensemble was formed, but the opera was abolished. George II strove for a renewal of the performing arts. His main concern was to combine the philosophical, dramaturgical, decorative and theatrical elements in his work into a total work of art, whereby he attached great importance to detailed historical equipment and a realistic way of playing. The result was sensational productions, with which the Meiningers traveled throughout Europe between 1874 and 1890. The Meiningen Theater thus became the cradle of naturalism and critical realism on stage and in stage literature.Friedrich von Bodenstedt , the actor and director Ludwig Chronegk , and Ellen Franz , who later became Baroness von Heldburg and the duke's wife.