Rural Austria Gets a Dramatic New Stage: ‘Gold & Pech Theater’ Set to Open
HÖF, AUSTRIA – In a bold move for the arts, a former roadside inn is undergoing a stunning transformation into a vibrant cultural center, the “Gold & Pech Theater.” This breaking news story highlights a remarkable undertaking led by actress Jula Zangger, poised to inject a dose of experimental theater and artistic energy into the countryside between Graz and Gleisdorf. The theater’s opening in early December promises a unique experience for audiences and a vital platform for Austrian artists.
From ‘Gogo’s Schmankerlstube’ to a Modern Arts Hub
Just a month ago, the building on Riesstraße 60 in Höf was known as “Gogo’s Schmankerlstube,” a traditional country inn. Now, under Zangger’s vision, it’s rapidly becoming a modern cultural destination. The 150-year-old structure is being reimagined with an “industrial charm,” featuring a newly constructed theater hall, a café named “Marie,” and five guest rooms available for rent. Zangger, who purchased the property, is personally overseeing the project, which includes preserving the original bar area and incorporating a striking aubergine and gold color scheme.
A Theater Designed for Innovation
The heart of the Gold & Pech Theater is its purpose-built hall. Boasting a six-meter ceiling and a design that prioritizes both acoustics and visual impact, the space is equipped with acoustic panels calculated by experts from the Graz University of Art. A large window overlooking the forest and a roof window above the stage – a nod to Horváth’s theatrical philosophy – ensure a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. Zangger even jokes the hall is ready for aerial performances, anticipating the needs of innovative artists like Florentina Holzinger.
A History Rooted in Local Arts
The theater’s origins trace back to 2016, starting as a small club at a nearby organic fruit farm. Zangger joined the collective around 2020, and under her leadership, the project quickly outgrew its initial location. After a year of searching, she found the perfect home in Höf. The name “Gold & Pech Theater” – meaning “Gold & Pitch” – reflects Zangger’s belief in rewarding hard work and embracing life’s complexities, inspired by the fairy tale of Goldmarie.
Financial Risks and a Multifaceted Approach
This ambitious project isn’t without its challenges. Zangger has taken on a substantial loan to finance the approximately €800,000 construction, with no external funding support. To ensure the theater’s sustainability, she’s employing a diversified revenue model. Beyond ticket sales, the café will host music brunches, the guest rooms will be listed on Airbnb, and the theater hall itself will be available for rent for events like cabaret shows and corporate gatherings. This entrepreneurial spirit is key to the theater’s long-term viability.
Championing Austrian Talent and Experimental Work
Zangger’s artistic vision centers on providing a platform for Austrian artists. She plans five in-house productions annually, ranging from large-scale performances to intimate, experimental pieces, including a dedicated children’s program. The curated guest series promises to showcase the best of the national arts scene, with Mateja Meded’s “Fotzenschleimpower” already scheduled for January. The inaugural in-house production, “Sontag & Koons,” will debut as a unique construction site performance on October 31st.
A Deliberate Choice: Bringing Culture to the Countryside
Despite acknowledging the challenges of operating outside a major city, Zangger remains steadfast in her commitment to a rural location. While half of the current audience comes from Graz, she believes in bringing the theater *to* the people, rather than the other way around. “It would have been so much easier to go to the city,” she admits, “But we go to the country with the theater, we stay out there.”
The Gold & Pech Theater’s opening premiere of Nature Theater of Oklahoma’s “Pizza or a door in the dark does not dance” on December 5th marks not just the launch of a new venue, but a statement about the power of art to transform communities and the courage to pursue a vision, even against the odds. For updates and ticket information, visit www.goldundpechmarie.at and stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this exciting cultural development.
