Salzburg Insider Tips: Susanne Tiefenbacher

Susanne Tiefenbacher is the director of the Salzburg Marionette Theatre, which is distinguished by a particularly intricate and realistic way of performing with marionettes. The repertoire ranges from Mozart operas to plays, musicals and fairy tales. The Salzburg native previously spent a long time working as a cultural and event manager. In 1994 she founded the cult & co eventmarketing agency and was involved, among other things, as a production manager for numerous festivals, including the Salzburg Literaturfest. Art and culture are thus an integral part of Susanne's life. So of course she knows Salzburg very well!

Tell us a bit about the Marionette Theatre: what's new on the programme – what should we know about it?

The Salzburg Marionette Theatre is an institution, which is sometimes better known world-wide than among Salzburg locals themselves. This is partly due to the frequent tours the ensemble went on in the past decades, and which we hope to be able to resume soon. It is important to know, that our puppeteers have their own workshops, hence they are also trained craftspeople. All the marionettes, costumes, props, sets and equipment are made in-house. We have over 170 performances a year in our own theatre on Schwarzstrasse and have developed our 30-munite highlights performance for people who are new to theatre or have less time on their hands – it is an entertaining compilation of the best bits from The Magic Flute and The Sound of Music, accompanied by projections on the history of the Marionette Theatre.

This theatre is special: there is only one of its kind in Salzburg. Can you think of anything else which is unique in Salzburg?

The Marionette Theatre is truly unique. I would even say that it's unique globally. It's no coincidence that we are also an intangible UNESCO World Heritage Site. What's unique about Salzburg is its location in the middle of the city mountains, and the fact that Salzburg is a cosmopolitan place despite its village-like character.

Before and after performances, where do you go to relax?

I am an avid resident of the Andräviertel neighbourhood and well established in this part of town. I feel at home here, I live and work here, so this is also where my favourite places are. I like to relax in the bar, lounge and garden of the Hotel Auersperg, not only after performances, but also after exhausting days at work. It is conveniently located on my way home.

After the premiere of a new piece: where do you take your team to celebrate, do you have a favourite restaurant of bar?

When we have premieres in our theatre, we usually stay at our bar or go to the courtyard at the nearby Johanneskeller in the Priesterhaus. 

Do you have any tips on where to have breakfast?

Heart of Joy in the Franz-Josef-Strasse and Café 220 Grad in Nonntal.

What was the last restaurant where you had a really delicious meal with friends?

At Furo. That's where Martin Eder converted the former Fasties with a super cool interior. It's nice and simple, vegetarian delicacies and the finest Levantine cuisine. He makes fresh bread daily to accompany warm and cold mezze.

Which hotel do you book for friends coming to Salzburg?

Depending on what's available, I like to use the Hotel Auersperg, the Arthotel Blaue Gans or the new NUMA, formerly known as Hotel Mozart in the Franz-Josef-Strasse in the Andräviertel neighbourhood.

Which hotel would you like to spend a night in yourself?

At the Hotel Auersperg… Bettina Wiesinger and her husband have created a sustainable hotel paradise – the perfect hideaway.

From where is your favourite view of Salzburg?

From the terrace at M32 on the Mönchsberg – combined with a visit to the Museum of Modern Art.

• Salzburg Marionette Theatre