Next Liberty, Graz

Next Liberty stands in Graz’s Innere Stadt, the first district of the city. It occupies the former Thalia building beside the Grazer Oper. A striking feature is the nearby Lichtschwert, a steel sculpture modelled on the Statue of Liberty. The theatre belongs to Theaterholding Graz and serves as a dedicated stage for young audiences. Over 65 000 spectators attend more than 200 performances each season. It ranks among the five most successful children’s and youth theatres in the German-speaking world. The theatre opened in 1995 under the Vereinigte Bühnen Graz. Michael Schilhan became artistic director in 2001 and managing intendant in 2004. His contract was extended in 2022 for five further seasons. During 2011–12 the company temporarily moved to the Stadthalle while a fitness centre was built in the Thalia building. Since 2013 the offices and stage have returned to the original house. Visitors find a modern theatre space designed for young spectators. The programme consists of new productions by a permanent ensemble. Selected plays travel on Next Liberty on Tour across Austria and South Tyrol. The building’s location places it within easy reach of Graz’s opera house and main square.