Bakal's Hall is ready for the performances of the Bolka Polívka Theatre after renovations

Brno - The Bolek Polívka Theatre will begin moving to the renovated Břetislav Bakala Hall on Thursday. The work to transform the unused space in the so-called White House on Žerotín Square has been ongoing since last November, and after five months, the main construction modifications are complete. Brno has paid more than 13 million crowns for this, Mayor Markéta Vaňková (ODS) told reporters today. The private Bolek Polívka Theatre was located in a city building on Jakub Square but had to relocate last year due to structural issues. It is currently operating temporarily at the Workers' House in Židenice.

"I am glad that my American dream has come true - to move from the Workers' House to the White House," stated the theatre's principal Boleslav Polívka. He believes that the audience will enjoy the new spaces. "When the demolition started here, it looked hopeless, but it gradually developed beautifully. The capacity is 320 seats, we had 350 at Jakubák. It is more or less similar, and the seats here are very comfortable, they don’t creak," he added.

The work done in the hall included the installation of ceiling LED lighting that allows for dimming and the expansion of the stage, which, due to the condition of the original structure, is ultimately new. "We also had the seats cleaned and purchased a new carpet. There are new dressing rooms for actors and actresses, and we are preparing a theatre bar. A dignified theatre space has been created that meets all requirements," Vaňková stated.

The construction work, including technical installations, was funded by the city, while its contributory organization, the Association of Healthcare Facilities II Brno, as the facility operator, arranged for the repair of the inadequate air conditioning system. They invested 1.5 million crowns. The theatre provided the interior furnishings. "We acquired new sound technology and enhanced our lighting technology with new elements. This should result in a better experience for the audience. Another advantage is that our theatre is now accessible," added its director Kateřina Komárková.

After taking possession of the hall at the end of the week, the theatre will start gradually integrating and testing everything to be ready for its first performance. This will be an original work by Bolek Polívka titled "Saga or the Zlín Miracle." The preview scheduled for April 11 has already sold out.

In the building between Moravian and Jakub Squares, where the theatre previously resided, a structural and technical survey is currently ongoing. This will lead to options for further action. It is expected to be completed by summer. In addition to the theatre, the University Cinema Scala also had to vacate its home spaces. The cinema is screening films in a café in a part of the building that is deemed safe by structural engineers. A suitable replacement space has not been found in Brno, Vaňková said.