## Gold & Pech Theater: New Cultural Hub Opens in Styria, austria – A Deep Dive
A new theater, the Gold & Pech Theater, is set to open its doors on Thursday evening at 8 p.m.between Graz adn Gleisdorf in Eggersdorf, Austria. This aspiring project, spearheaded by actress and director Jula Zangger, transforms a former inn into a vibrant space for artistic production, social exchange, and performance, boasting a capacity of up to 140 seats. The theater’s creation, completed in a remarkably swift three and a half months, represents a significant investment – €900,000 entirely funded by Zangger herself. This article will explore the details of this exciting new venue, its significance for the regional arts scene, and the vision behind its creation.
### The Genesis of Gold & Pech: From inn to Artistic Hub
jula Zangger, known for her work with the performance duo Julalena (with Lena Westphal) and her “Hoftheater” productions in locations like Höf-Präbach, großpesendorf, and Gleisdorf, has long sought a permanent venue to continue her artistic endeavors outside of major urban centers.Her previous “hoftheater” productions, while accomplished, lacked a fixed location, presenting logistical challenges. Zangger believes that “theater is necessary” even – and perhaps especially – in rural areas, even if it means presenting work that isn’t always comfortable or conventionally pleasing.
The Gold & Pech Theater represents a significant escalation of this vision.Rather than adapting an existing space, Zangger opted to build an extension onto the former inn in Eggersdorf, creating a purpose-built theater capable of hosting a diverse range of performances. The speed of construction – just three and a half months - is especially noteworthy.
### A Substantial Investment: €900,000 and No Funding
the most striking aspect of this project is the financial commitment. Zangger funded the entire €900,000 construction cost out of her own pocket, stating she received “without a single cent of funding.” This is an unusual situation for a theater project, particularly one of this scale. While acknowledging her “crazy” decision, Zangger explains it was driven by a strong desire and clear artistic vision. This self-funding model grants Zangger complete artistic control and independence, but also carries significant personal financial risk.
### Artistic Vision: Radical Art Meets Folk Theater
Zangger’s artistic background is characterized by a “balanced mix between radical art and folk theater in the most daring meaning of the word.” Her previous projects have tackled the works of iconic figures like Marina Abramović, Edith Piaf, and Frida Kahlo, demonstrating a willingness to engage with challenging and complex themes. This approach suggests that the Gold & Pech theater will not shy away from provocative or unconventional performances.The theater’s name, ”Gold & Pech,” (Gold & Bad Luck) hints at this duality – a blend of aspiration and realism, success and potential failure. It suggests a space where experimentation and risk-taking are encouraged.
### Location and Accessibility
The theater’s location on the B65 between Graz and Gleisdorf places it within reach of a significant population base. Graz, the capital of Styria, is a major cultural center, while gleisdorf is a regional hub. The rural setting,however,also presents challenges in terms of accessibility for audiences relying on public transportation. The theater’s success will likely depend on attracting both local residents and visitors from further afield.
### Upcoming Performances & The Nature Theater of Oklahoma
currently, the Nature
