Liechtenstein supports productions, projects and partnerships in the areas of theatre, dance and music theatre. The most important political actor is the Liechtenstein Cultural Foundation (see 1.2.2, 1.2.5, 1.3.3 and 4.1.2). No investments are made in outreach; the audience comes largely from across the country and the region.
Theatres
For more than five decades, the TAK Theater Liechtenstein (see 1.3.1) has been the cultural forum in the country and serves the functions of a state theatre. In view of the importance of theatre operations for the country and the region, the state has been supporting the cooperative “Theater am Kirchplatz eG” for years under a performance agreement. Financial support has been at CHF 2.1 million since 2013 and will continue to be in that amount for the 2022–2025 theatre season. The artistic work of the TAK focuses on drama, concerts, TAK Music, cabaret and comedy as well as theatre for children and young people.
Since 2019/2020, the theatre has had its own acting ensemble, which premieres several productions at the TAK throughout part of the season. The ensemble brings together artists from Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. At the same time, the TAK collaborates with other cultural institutions, including the Schlösslekeller (founded in 2003), the Young THEATER Liechtenstein (founded in 2001), the amateur theatre Theater Karussell, and the Burg Gutenberg Festival.
The year 2019 marked a year of theatre and dance productions, according to the Liechtenstein Cultural Foundation. Fifteen per cent of the Foundation’s budget went to the performing arts in 2019. This includes ASSITEJ Liechtenstein, which is a group of theatre and art professionals, theatre institutions and independent theatres committed to children and young people (see 1.4.3 and 2.7). In recent years, the Cultural Foundation has sponsored a number of theatre and dance productions.
The Schlösslekeller is an integral part of Liechtenstein’s cultural scene. It originated from the LiGa, the “Liechtensteiner Gabarett”: cabaret and stand-up comedy taking a critical look at Liechtenstein politics. This small-scale theatre also brings international and regional artists to Liechtenstein and is also supported by the Cultural Foundation. The Young THEATER Liechtenstein stages professionally directed theatre productions with children every year. The educational theatre concept practises equal opportunities: people of all ages who enjoy theatre can participate here. It is the country’s centre for educational theatre, coordinating the educational theatre programmes in Liechtenstein’s schools and organising up to 60 theatre school projects a year. Liechtenstein supports the Young THEATER Liechtenstein under a performance agreement.
Dance
In order to raise the profile of contemporary dance, eight cantons and the Principality of Liechtenstein launched the “Dance Plan East” funding programme in 2009. It is a unique project that promotes the regional dance scene within the framework of the Conference of Cantonal Cultural Officers of Eastern Switzerland. Dance Plan East has developed into a dance festival that offers regional companies and dancers a stage and brings dance closer to the audience. The coordinated funding is intended to give the independent dance scene in Eastern Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein a greater presence. Every two years, Dance Plan East presents a cross-section of contemporary dance on various stages in Eastern Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Music theatre
At the beginning of 2022, the Liechtenstein National Museum paid tribute to Liechtenstein’s two traditional operetta theatres with a special exhibition. The first operetta was staged in Liechtenstein in Vaduz in 1940, followed by Balzers in 1946. The fame and reputation of Vaduz Operetta and Balzers Operetta have steadily increased. To this day, they are an important cultural factor in Liechtenstein and the neighbouring Swiss cantons of Graubünden and St. Gallen, as well as in the Austrian province of Vorarlberg. A performance agreement is in place with the state to support the operetta associations. In addition, the operetta theatres receive funding from the municipalities, foundations, the media, corporate sponsors, private institutions, friends and patrons.
Since 1998, the Liechtenstein Musical Company (LMC) has produced a large, internationally acclaimed musical every two years. In addition to artists from abroad, the LMC also hires talent from Liechtenstein and the region. The performances are accompanied by the LMC live rock band. The LMC is also supported by the state, sponsors and the media.
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