Short Introduction

Historical knowledge about theatre culture in Banská Bystrica is still relatively scarce. Even the extensive studies on theatre traditions on our continent do not provide a complete picture of its development in earlier times.
The first publicly documented theatrical performance in Banská Bystrica was the play Comedy of Soul (Komédia o Soulovi), which was performed in 1576 by the pupils of the Evangelical Lyceum under the guidance of their professors. This school was also a place of regular theatre performances until its forced closure in 1674.
The theatre was an important centre of social life for the town's inhabitants, especially those from the upper classes. Alongside the church, market and restaurants, it formed an important part of their everyday life and was a source of pride for the locals.