Achim Thorwald became the Intendant in summer 2002 and held that post until the end of the 2010/11 season.City architect Friedrich Weinbrenner constructed the first predecessor of the Badisches Staatstheater in 1808 near the castle.During a performance on 28 February 1847, a fire broke out destroying the building which had been built mainly from wood and canvas.A total of 63 spectators perished, most in a panic caused by doors that opened inwards and prevented a speedy escape.The replacement theatre, by court architect Heinrich Hübsch, was finished in 1853 and opened under the direction of Eduard Devrient.
