Drottningholms Slottsteater: Theatre of Enlightenment

By Malin Norman | Photos: Drottningholm Court Theatre

Drottningholm Palace Theatre is a unique 18th century theatre in Europe. The oldest theatre in the world to regularly use the original stage machinery, it also has a surprisingly playful interior. Today, it offers new productions of 17th and 18th century operas and attracts audiences from around the world. This summer sees Monteverdi’s masterpiece The Coronation of Poppea, celebrations of not one but two queens, and much more.

Built in 1766 at the request of Queen Lovisa Ulrika, Drottningholm Palace Theatre is one of the world’s best-preserved 18th century theatres and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. “The theatre is internationally unique in that its original 18th century stage machinery is still regularly used,” explains Anna Karinsdotter, artistic and managing director.

Anna Karinsdotter, artistic and managing director at Drottningholm Court Theatre. Photo: Markus Gårder

Playful sleeping beauty, awakened

Under the reign of King Gustaf III, the son of Queen Lovisa Ulrika, the cultural life in Sweden flourished. Upon his death in 1792, the theatre closed. Literary historian Agne Beijer discovered a sleeping beauty when he opened its doors in 1921. “The theatre had been untouched since the end of the 18th century,” confirms Karinsdotter. “After replacing the ropes and installing electricity, the magnificent theatre was reopened.”

Photo: Elias Gammelgård

Located on Lovön just outside Stockholm, the theatre is constructed of simple materials and playfully decorated using paint, stucco, and papier mâché. The wooden stage machinery is operated by hand, including wind, thunder and cloud machines, as well as trapdoors and moving waves. “The theatre is one of illusions, built to trick the eye,” smiles Karinsdotter. “They loved special effects back then. It’s very cleverly done, like a magic box.”

To preserve the original features, visitors can only experience the theatre on one of the guided tours, which run from May to September, or during the artistic activities. “It’s like stepping into a time machine and ending up in the Enlightenment,” says Karinsdotter. “On our guided tours, you’ll find out the secrets of theatre life in the 18th century and learn about the subtleties of the wooden stage machinery.”

Photo: Markus Gårder

Italian opera and royal celebrations

The activities at Drottningholm Palace Theatre combine high artistic quality with care for the historical environment and serve as an international meeting place for the performing arts.

This season, the theatre turns its artistic focus towards Italy. The highlight being Claudio Monteverdi’s masterpiece The Coronation of Poppea, with eight performances from 1-8 August. Musical director Francesco Corti will conduct an artistic ensemble of the highest international standard, the role of Poppea will be cast by the celebrated Italian soprano Giulia Semenzato, and internationally renowned Benjamin Lazar will be directing.

The programme also includes concerts, a children’s performance, and events and exhibitions connected to the celebration of H.M. Queen Silvia’s 50 years as Queen of Sweden, plus the 400th anniversary of Queen Kristina’s birth. “Our commitment to preserve the theatre for future generations remains at the heart of our work,” says the artistic and managing director. “Young audiences will be invited to experience an enchanting production, while our Academy continues to expand its activities across artistic, craft, and scholarly disciplines.”

A day at the fairy tale palace

In addition to the theatre’s appeal, Drottningholm is an important cultural destination. The area offers the opportunity to combine performing arts with visits to Drottningholm Royal Palace, go for walks in the historic parks surrounding the palace, including the 17th century Baroque park and the 18th century English landscape park.

A must-visit is the Chinese Pavilion, a fairy tale palace. The summer palace was a birthday surprise to Queen Lovisa Ulrika from King Adolf Fredrik in July 1753. The beautiful building features Chinese-inspired Swedish Rococo furniture, antique Chinese objects and decorative elements – including original Chinese silk and paper wall coverings.

“This is an ideal day trip,” adds Karinsdotter. “Go for a stroll in the parks, visit Drottningholm Royal Palace and the Chinese Pavillion, and come see us at the Palace Theatre. Soon, the sun, the music and the warmth will return to Drottningholm, and we’re looking forward to a spectacular season.”