Two Theatrical Privileges from 18th-Century Pressburg: Documents from the Hungarian Royal Governor's Council

Abstract A theatrical privilege of May 13, 1749, which was granted to the Pressburg citizen and confectioner, Charles Turbilio, provided the basis for operations of permanent theatrical performances and balls. The privilege also included the duty to construct a new theater building for the purpose. However, during the decade of its validity, Turbilio did not fulfil this element, and so he did not receive the second privilege of September 11, 1760. This second document did not apply to a specific individual but to the area of Pressburg. The city authorities transferred these rights to Count Eudemio Castiglioni, who, together with Count Kristóf Erdődy, eventually paid for the conversion of the so-called Green House into a theater. This study does not deal with theatrical repertory but mainly the background of issuing the second privilege from the perspective of the official proceedings of the Hungarian Royal Governor's Council.