Behind the curtain
subtle reflections on local specificities and identitary values
The modernity
of the 19th century
A symbol for abstract desires in an ideal city, inspired by a nostalgia for antiquity, the Italian theatre appears in the 16th century as a bearer of social and ideological values. Gradually, its form and role become a spectacle of power and money, decorum and appearance eclipsing structural and material probity.
The modernity of the 19th century brings with it the emergence of the city as a dominant political and social force in Europe: railways, electricity, telephony, mass production, the rethinking of religious and moral values and the resetting of social norms.
In this context full of cultural vivaciousness, the theatres created by Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer, these prolific figures who designed over 200 buildings between 1873 - 1919, took shape.
The beginning
of a historic collaboration
Following in the footsteps of his father, a respected Viennese architect anchored in the local political environment and one of the main specialists involved in the drafting of the Viennese Building Regulations, Ferdinand Fellner took over the activities of the family Studio in 1871, at the age of 24. On the other hand, Hermann Helmer, born in Germany in a family of goldsmiths and small traders, joins the office after completing his studies at the Technical University of Munich and after winning the competition for the construction of the theatre in Varazdin.
Since 1873, the two young architects became partners and laid the foundations for a historic collaboration of 43 years.
A favourable context
The reputation and connections created by F. Fellner senior, the political context, the economic well-being of the moment and the technological momentum favoured the development of an impressive number of projects for the creation of theatres both on the territory of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire and beyond its borders.
After the 1881 fire at the Ringtheater, when new fire safety regulations for building were imposed, the office of Fellner & Helmer already had the maturity and the experience to quickly adapt to the new requirements.
But what is really special about the in depth examination of the craft behind the making of the architectural project are the special connection between the two architects and the way they have been able to complement each other effectively, sensitively and practically, managing not only the work within the architectural office, with over 20 employees, but especially the close relationship with the beneficiaries.
Still standing
At the time of construction, Fellner and Helmer’s theatres and performance halls were appreciated and considered outstanding for the production efficiency, economy, quality of workmanship, attention to detail, fire safety and excellent acoustics.
After two world wars, at least two major global economic crises and numerous socio-political reconfigurations, these constructions have gone through multiple transformation processes.
Some of them have disappeared, others have managed to preserve even the original stage mechanisms, and among these, numerous spaces have assimilated new aesthetic imprints.
Theatre today
On the other hand, the theatrical performance has significantly evolved over the past hundred years. The cultural needs of the public have changed, the imagination of scenographers and the expectations of actors have taken on new meanings, technological advancements have opened new horizons, and managerial logistics have become increasingly complex.
Reflections
Initiated in 2020, the research is an ongoing project based on 16 on-site visits in 5 countries and 42 interviews, the main goal of the process being to gain a deeper understanding of the craft that structured the basis for the creation of the theatres and concert halls inherited today from Fellner & Helmer.
The resulting exhibitions, presenting a significant variety of case studies, seek to introduce the general public to the complexity of theatre life behind the show, from the perspective of the systemic relationship between performance, place and socio-political dynamics.
STAKEHOLDERS
COMMUNITY