The audience returned to the renovated Janáček Theater in Brno

The costly reconstruction costing 600 million crowns is complete for the part that allows public productions, with the spaces having been approved for use since the end of October.

"The newly reconstructed theatre allows us once again to perform in a space that is acoustically suitable. The first stage of the reconstruction provided the company with new facilities for artists, newly equipped dressing rooms, new makeup rooms, new restrooms, new stage management desks, and other innovations in lighting and sound equipment," listed Jiří Heřman, head of the opera at the National Theatre.

Since the rehearsal rooms are not yet accessible, new opera productions are being prepared in alternative spaces. "The current impressions are joyful. The Janáček Theatre is an ideal theatrical space for creators, which is completely unique in the Czech Republic," added Heřman.

Builders will continue their work in 2019, even though it was originally supposed to be completed by now. According to Richard Mrázek (ANO), the deputy mayor, however, technical difficulties have complicated the work, such as the condition of the roof, which was much worse than the builders had anticipated.

"The total amount by which the reconstruction has increased due to these complications will only be clear after the completion of the project," Mrázek stated.

Due to the reconstruction, the National Theatre Brno, as its main user, had to deal with numerous difficulties. It lost the largest auditorium and the facilities for the opera and ballet company for fifteen months, while its operating costs increased and ticket revenues decreased. The city of Brno, as the theatre's founder, covers the shortfall. In 2017, it amounted to 26 million crowns, and this year, so far, 28 million crowns.

The festive opening of the theatre after reconstruction is scheduled for November 17, when the premiere of the new production of The Cunning Little Vixen will take place, which will also kick off the Janáček Brno festival.