CHRONEGK, LUDWIG

(1837-1891)

   Director, actor. Chronegk is best known as the director who staged most of the Meininger productions, but he began his career as a comedian in small provincial theaters. He signed his first contract with the Meiningen Court Theater in 1866, doing mostly Shakespearean roles. By 1871 he had become a director at the theater, and under his direction the company began its ascent to worldwide renown. Duke Georg II of Saxony-Meiningen named him director of the entire company in 1877 and subsequently bestowed upon him numerous honors. In addition to Chronegk's superb staging abilities, he was effective in forging an "ensemble" outlook among the company's actors. He was skillful in dealing with actors' temperaments, convincing them they were part of a whole rather than simply supporting the work of a star. He was also instrumental in arranging the company's profitable tours throughout Europe between 1874 and 1890. The tours established the company as Europe's finest, and its influence continued well into the 20th century.