Archeologisch onderzoek naar de Groote Schouwburg van de Heeren- Komedie te Groningen

Samenvatting

An archaeological excavation of the “Groote Schouwburg” of the Groninger stage play the “Heeren-Komedie”. Stage play in Groningen has had a tumultuous history. At the demand of the Protestant Church, stage play was prohibited by law until well into the 18th century. When the prohibition was lifted in the late 18th century, several theatre groups came into existence, among which was the Heeren-Komedie (the Gentlemen’s comedy). The members of this theatre group pertained to the upper class and it had a strong connection to the university, since students and professors were among its members. This group constructed a theatre, the Groote Schouwburg, in the Nieuwe Kijk in ’t Jatstraat, which is the predecessor of the current theatre. During an excavation in 2016 part of the foundation of the Schouwburg was found, as well as an impressive basement belonging to this theatre. The excavation has enabled a partial reconstruction of the interior of the theatre.