The Abbey Theatre, also known as the National Theatre of Ireland, is a Dublin theater that has been in operation since 27 December 1904, with a hiatus caused by a fire in the original building in 1951. The Abbey was the first publicly subsidized theater in the English-speaking world; from 1925 it was subsidized by the Irish Free State. ¹⁾

Teatro Amazonas is a theater and opera house in Manaus. It was inaugurated on December 31, 1896. Construction was made possible by a booming local economy due to the so-called rubber boom - sponsored and originated by rubber barons. With the invention of synthetic rubber, Manaus lost its main source of income and in 1924 the theater was closed. It did not reopen permanently until 90 years later. ²⁾

The theater in Epidauros is an ancient structure probably built around 330 BC, designed by Polycletus the Younger. The auditorium accommodates more than 12 thousand spectators. The theater is characterized by excellent acoustics, as a result of which a whisper or rustle on stage could be heard even in the most distant rows. In Epidauros there was the most famous sanctuary of Asclepius in the ancient world inscribed on the UNESCO list. ³⁾

Despite the many similarities in their plays, Strindberg and Ibsen remained in a long, one of the most famous conflicts of the art world in the second half of the 19th century. With Zola, as with Nietzsche, Strindberg was linked mainly by correspondence. Swedenborg, on the other hand, died almost 70 years before Strindberg was born. ⁴⁾

Naumachias depicted victorious battles of ancient fleets. Usually, almost all the participants of such a “battle” were killed, and any possible escapees were killed by praetorian cohorts guarding the course of the battle. The most famous naumachia described in detail by Tacitus, Suetonius, and Dion took place on the waters of the Fucinian Lake in 52 AD at the order of Emperor Claudius. ⁵⁾

The theater in El Jem is really impressive and has definitely retained the atmosphere of its former popularity. The structure was built in the third century. Once the brutal shows could be seen by up to 35,000 people (it took three-quarters of an hour to take up all the seats). It is the third largest of its kind from Roman times, but one of the better preserved. The very good acoustics of this amphitheater make it a venue for various concerts and cultural events. The local dungeons, which can also be visited, were a refuge for all sorts of rebellious citizens, e.g. those producing oil, who did not like (and how!) the amount of taxes imposed. Interesting fact: several shots for Ridley Scott's famous film “Gladiator” were shot here. ⁶⁾

Thang Long is more than just a theater, it is a tradition that is more than a thousand years old, referring to the country's history and culture. The main roles are played by puppets, which are set in motion as if they were live (but hidden from the audience) actors. The biggest distinguishing feature of Thang Long is (as you might guess from the name) the water, which is also the stage. This makes sense, as the setting for the plays used to be nature, e.g. ponds, irrigated rice fields, and swamps. The plays refer to ordinary life in Vietnam and often show daily social customs. During the performance, there is also a musical layer that weaves old folk tales. The theater is very popular, sometimes it is even difficult to get to a performance. See if it appeals to you as well, and be sure to put it on your list of things to see in Vietnam. ⁷⁾

The National Theater resembles a large egg in form, and for the rest, it is also sometimes called so. It's a real architectural gem and a sizable cultural center with nearly 6,500 seats. Inside, in addition to the theater, there is an opera house, and concerts are also held, but already what is outside causes an accelerated pulse in the lover of unusual forms. To enter the theater one passes through a corridor under a specially designed water reservoir. Meanwhile, the building's design is in keeping with ancient assumptions about the balance of Heaven and Earth. A place to admire, regardless of the repertoire! ⁸⁾

This theater has actually long been not a place of performances for the spectator, but instead a paradise for the reader. Now it is the books that seduce visitors to this place, not the voices or facial expressions of the actors. But this building, because of its theatrical structure and fresco-decorated balconies, simply had to be included in our list. At El Ateneo Grand Splendid, created in the former Teatro Gran Splendid building, you can spend long hours picking out your favorite readings. However, before books took the audience's place, they also housed a movie theater. Whether you are a bookworm or prefer to watch adaptations, remember the address before traveling to the Argentine capital: Av. Santa Fe 1860. ⁹⁾

Teatru Manoel is one of the oldest operating European theaters. It is nearly 390 years old. Unlike Teatro Amazonas, it was built in a short period of time, less than a year. Its construction was made possible by funds from the Order of the Knights of Malta, and it was intended simply to bring joy to the people (aren't the simplest ideas the most brilliant?). It was not strained by bombing attacks during World War II, although it served as a shelter during air raids. Among other things, the original leaf-shaped decorations on the ceiling and wooden panels have been preserved. For about five euros, you can learn about the history of the building and see the beautiful Baroque auditorium. ¹⁰⁾

Amazing structures or original decorations are impressive, but that doesn't mean you won't find the excitement you're looking for in a theater in simplicity. The Noh theater building in Tokyo was built nearly 35 years ago, using centuries-old Cypress trees (bishu-hinoki) as the main building material. Noh draws on Japanese dramatic and musical traditions (percussion sounds dominate). The stage (and therefore the actors' facial expressions, gestures, and costumes) can be viewed from three sides. The place is quite well connected, you will get here, for example, by subway. You can reach the theater in just a few minutes from Kokuritsu kyogijo and Kita-sando stations. ¹¹⁾

The amphitheater in Pula took as long as sixteen centuries to obtain its final shape. This sixth-largest amphitheater from Roman times is known primarily for the fact that it has retained a very good appearance. The site, which once hosted gladiator fights and knight duels, among other things, now hosts various theatrical performances and musical events. ¹²⁾

The striking, ship-like National Theater of Budapest (Mária Siklós' architectural vision) lies near the bank of the Danube River. The best perspective to admire the building is from the Buda side. This is worth keeping in mind when looking for interesting photographic shots. Conversely, a beautiful view of the river and hills emerges from the theater's observation tower. In addition to the indoor stage, an auditorium has also been designed next to the theater in the open space. ¹³⁾

Despite their history of battles and conquests, the Romans also left behind interesting souvenirs in Gaul that still please the eye of travelers visiting France today. One of them is the amphitheater in Nimes, or Les Arènes, which dates back to the first century AD. In ancient times, it was used to organize chariot races, reenact the course of famous naval battles and, of course, cheer on gladiators, among other things. Later it was used as a fortress but slowly began to decline, to become a refuge for the local poor by the 19th. In the later period, the tradition of bloody spectacles was reached again and the era of bullfighting began in the arena (the bullfighter even has his own statue here). Other events such as concerts are also organized. ¹⁴⁾

Right next to the beautiful Baroque theater within the walls of the castle in Český Krumlov hides another surprise: an “open air” theater with a revolving stage, located in the middle of the castle gardens, not far from the Rococo palace that serves as its backdrop. The idea to use the summer palace and surrounding park as a natural stage was born in 1958 in the minds of artists from the South Bohemian Theater in České Budějovice. ¹⁵⁾