Based on a sage play by Karl Itzinger, revised by Franz and Michael Neudorfer)

The 30-Years-War (caused by the
struggle for predominance of either
the Protestant or the Roman-Catholic
denomination in Europe) provides the historic background to this drama.
The emperor in Vienna had fully
devoted himself to the restoration of
the Catholic religion, to uniting his
subjects under a Catholic sovereign.
A cruel religious war was devastating
the country. As in the county of Frankenburg the majority of the common people had turned Protestant as well, they strongly opposed the behatred Roman-
Catholic belief to be forced on them again. In those days the region Upper
Austria used to be pledged to neighbouring Bavaria, and therefore the citizens
and peasants of Frankenburg were not only suffering from a pressure of
conscience, but also from the heavy taxation and cruel drudgery for the foreign
power.

When a Roman-Catholic clergyman was about to be
installed in the parish of Frankenburg in May 1625,
an armed rebellion finally sparked off. The peasants
chased the priest away and started besieging the
curator's residence at Frankenburg. But after only
three days the rebellion crumbled, and as soon
as they had been promised pardon and mercy, the
rebels surrendered and gave up their siege.
Adam Earl of Herberstorff, the Bavarian governor in
the region east of the River Enns, also guaranteed
lenience when he announced to sit in judgement on his rebellious subjects.
He ordered all male inhabitants of the county to summon on the so-called
"Haushammerfeld", an open area between Frankenburg and Vöcklamarkt.

His "lenience" was terrible: 36 committeemen had to roll the dices to play for
their lives. Half of them were brought to death by rope on the spot. This cruel
episode, from then on referred to as the "Game of Dice of Frankenburg",
marked the outbreak of the Upper Austrian Peasants' War in the 17th century.
Since 1925 the players' association of Frankenburg has been performing a
drama commemorating this remarkable moment in the town's history. Every
second year the people of Frankenburg bring their long-gone history back to
life.

The dramatic, colourful open-air performance, the
breathtaking scenery and last but not least the
unspoilt enthusiasm of the 400 amateur actors of
Frankenburg make this spectacle an unforgettable
experience for all visitors. The gripping perfor-
mance is meant to make the misery and despair
of the pitiable peasants tangible and understand-
able, yet at the same time intends to demonstrate
where fanaticism and intolerance may lead to.
On no other summer-stage a stage play appears
so real and authentic, so much rooted in the
players' past. The "Game of Dice of Frankenburg"
is more than a theatre performance, it is a unique
piece of our history.

• The audience room in the form of an amphitheatre provides 3,000 seats
  for free choice (no seat reservation necessary).
• Free parking right in the town centre (both for private cars as well as
  coaches; please see enclosed map for direction).
• A short, well-marked and well-maintained footpath of about 1km length
  takes you to the performance area.
• Free shuttle-service from the town centre to the performance area
  available for disabled or elderly visitors. (Please board the vehicles
  next to the ticket counter on the Marktplatz.)
• Entrance tickets available at the ticket counter in the town centre
  (Marktplatz).
• In case of bad weather we strongly recommend to bring warm clothes
  and/or blankets.