Tellspiele Altdorf
An amateur theatre with a very professional approach
Swiss Performing Arts Award 2023
Since 1899, the actors of the Tellspiel- und Theatergesellschaft Altdorf have performed Friedrich Schiller’s William Tell every four years or so, each time interpreting it from a contemporary perspective. The Tellspiele Altdorf is thus one of the oldest amateur theatre companies in Switzerland, albeit one with a very professional approach, and a leading cultural institution in the canton of Uri. A public assembly at Altdorf town hall in 1898 voted in favour of hosting a performance of William Tell in Tell’s supposed homeland. The first performance by the Verein für Tellaufführungen at the Tellspielhaus, a specially built wooden theatre, took place on 25 June 1899. It was directed by Gustav Thiess from Vienna, who at the time was in charge of the Stadttheater Lucerne. The association’s current chairperson is Barbara Bär-Hellmüller, a former member of the Canton of Uri Governing Council. Alongside the team of professional directors, countless volunteers, the Tellspiele’s own orchestra and as many as 100 amateur actors are involved in staging the play.
The Tellspielgesellschaft Altdorf celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2024. After the planned performances directed by Annette Windlin had to be cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, she will now take charge of the anniversary performance. Many renowned directors have staged Schiller’s Tell in Altdorf, the most recent being Philipp Becker (2016), Volker Hesse (2008 and 2012), Louis Naef (2004), Barbara Schlumpf (1998) and Franziska Kohlund (1988, 1991 and 1994). Freedom begins in the mind was the theme in 2016, with the focus placed on the collective rather than the hero as an individual. Rolf Derrer has designed the lighting the past 47 years and was awarded the Hans Reinhart Ring in 1995. He is set to return in 2024. The original Tellspielhaus was demolished in 1915, but a new one was inaugurated in 1925. Recently over 80% of residents in Altdorf and the canton of Uri voted to fund a total renovation of the building by 2030.
The Tellspielgesellschaft Altdorf helps to shape the canton of Uri’s identity and gives a home to its many theatre enthusiasts. Its endless reinterpretations of the source material that is rooted in Altdorf – amateur productions with a highly professional touch – strike an excellent balance between appealing to the people of this small canton and drawing in audiences from far and wide. The performances enrich the amateur theatrical landscape of Central Switzerland, which boasts not only a large number of theatre companies, but also exceptionally high production values. In conferring this award, therefore, the jury recognises the Tellspielgesellschaft Altdorf as representing a scene that is absolutely vital to Swiss cultural life.
Barbara Anderhub, jury member
