Sibiu celebrates the enduring legacy of Romania's first theater, inaugurated in 1788

The rich history of theater in Romania began in 1788, when the first permanent theater was inaugurated in Sibiu. This remarkable venue, originally transformed from the Turnul Gros by librarian Martin Hochmeister, has stood the test of time and remains functional today, now housing the Thalia Hall of the State Philharmonic of Sibiu.

The legacy of performances in Sibiu dates back even further, with documented shows as early as the 16th century. By the 18th century, traveling troupes were bringing performances to the city, and the need for a dedicated theater became evident after the successful shows by Christoph Seipp in 1782. As a result, the authorities were convinced to establish a permanent location for the arts.

Mihai Eminescu, a key literary figure in Romania, once worked as a prompter for Mihai Pascaly’s troupe, which first performed in Romanian in 1868. This was a significant moment in the cultural landscape of the region, as it marked the introduction of Romanian-language performances. The troupe enjoyed packed houses, with spectators often attending in traditional costumes from nearby villages.

Over the years, the theater has undergone several transformations, including a new façade added in 1876 and a complete redecoration in 1887, which featured the premiere of Goethe’s “Faust.” Unfortunately, the theater faced devastating setbacks, including two significant fires, the last of which in 1949 prompted a relocation to the former Apollo cinema, where the season opened with I.L. Caragiale's “O scrisoare pierdută.”

The vibrant theater culture in Romania continued to flourish with the establishment of the International Theatre Festival of Sibiu (FITS) in 1993. Today, FITS stands as one of the most important theater festivals globally and the third largest in Europe, drawing artists and audiences from all over the world.

While Sibiu’s theater holds a prominent place in Romanian history, it is noteworthy that the first theater in the Romanian Land was founded by Domnița Ralu, who was instrumental in creating a professional acting troupe and establishing a dedicated theater space in Bucharest in the early 19th century. The legacy of theater in Romania is a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and cultural expression that continues to thrive today.