Blansko did not support the construction of the theater

Blansko - The council of Blansko did not support the planned construction of a theater in the city center. Theater practitioners disagree and are preparing a survey to gauge the opinions of the city's residents. Eva Petrželová from the Circulus association, which proposed the construction idea, told ČTK today.

According to the association, the theater could be built on city-owned land at the site of the demolished Dukla hotel, mainly occupying the basement spaces of the hotel. The project's budget ranges from 23 to 29 million crowns. Petrželová stated that the association under which the Kolárka theater group operates is capable of securing funds from sponsors and grants. However, this is now at risk.

"Surely no one imagines that financial commitments can be obtained without support and agreement from the city. Especially since the building constructed would subsequently remain the property of the city," said Petrželová.

According to the mayor of Blansko, Ivo Polák (ČSSD), the idea of building a theater is interesting. "However, the representatives of the project have not developed the economic issues to a level that would be acceptable and guarantee the trouble-free existence of the theater with all its specificities," said the mayor. He considers the intention to operate an alternative theater with a narrow audience in the new building to be very risky. According to Polák, the association did not guarantee the completion of the theater in case some sponsors could not continue their investments for various reasons.

Petrželová stated that the city's council's reasoning indicates insufficient study of the materials. "This is definitely not about an alternative theater and definitely not without an audience. After all, about 2000 spectators go through the Kolárka theater each year," she stated. She added that no representative from the association was invited to the council meeting, which discussed the proposal on Tuesday, even though they had prepared a presentation with architects.

According to the mayor, there is a justified concern that the city would eventually face the question of the theater's extinction or would have to take over its operation. He noted that the city already has one cultural organization, which is the Cultural Center of the city of Blansko. "It includes the Workers' House with a fairly large hall and stage for cultural events and theatrical performances," he said.

The Kolárka theater is located in a building on Kollárova Street. However, the facility is dilapidated. According to Petrželová, the undignified environment without stable facilities hinders further developmental activities of the theater association.