The theatre was constructed in 1898 and quickly became a well-known entertainment venue in Vienna. The hall of the building also featured film screenings. Within the building, there was a tavern, a restaurant, and later, a bar in the basement.
Around the turn of the century, Nestroyhof became the focal point of modern Yiddish theatre brought to Vienna by migrants. Performances addressed themes such as Zionism, Jewish identity, and antisemitism. Various groups took the stage at Nestroyhof, performing in German, Yiddish, and Hebrew. Cabarets and small theatre troupes portrayed Jewish life in Vienna and Eastern Europe in their shows.
The emerging theatre scene was multicultural, diverging from the mainstream and presenting a unique contrast to Vienna's traditional theatre scene. Even though Yiddish theatre was an essential part of modern, urban life in the 2nd district, the theatre struggled. Financial challenges and antisemitic hostility were always present in contemporary Vienna.
Gundl Herrnstadt-Steinmetz remembers the role of the theatre in her childhood.
Gundl Herrnstadt-Steinmetz explains how important it was in her family to go to theatre. Think about the history of the theatre you just read above.
- What do you think made the Theatre Nestroyhof interesting for the its audience?