Kladno Theater will bear the handwriting of David Vávra

Kladno - The Central Bohemian Theatre Kladno is expecting an expensive reconstruction next year, which aims to revitalize the dilapidated theatre building and make it more attractive for the audience. A total of three stages, a new café, and an elevator for the theatre props will be created here, with practically everything being upgraded except for the theatre technology. The renovation, whose costs according to city representatives will likely exceed one hundred million crowns, should be financed from EU funds. An initial price estimate could be known next week, said architect David Vávra, the author of the architectural study, to journalists today.
    The condition of the late Art Nouveau building, whose history began at the start of the last century, is currently being examined by experts. It is already certain that new gas and electricity lines will need to be installed, as well as new drainage systems. "In general, it can be said that everything here has reached the end of its life," stated Vávra, who previously designed renovations for the Dobeška Theatre and the Švanda Theatre in Prague.
    The reconstruction of the Kladno stage should enhance audience comfort, even at the cost of reducing capacity by about one hundred seats to 330. According to director Blanka Bendlová, this is not an issue, as the current capacity is rarely filled. Additionally, two more stages are to be created - one in the reconstructed rehearsal room and another in the park, which will be used in the summer.
    "The theatre will have reduced capacity, but this will be compensated by having individual boxes on both the ground floor and the upper level. Comfort will also increase by creating a theatre club, so the current buffet will be larger and there will also be a separate café accessible from the park with a summer terrace," summarized Vávra. "Part of the park solution will include the addition of a summer stage, and the current rehearsal room will be enlarged enough to serve as an alternative stage with a separate elevator that will be used not only for transporting props but also for the mobility of handicapped citizens," added the architect.
    A new feature will be a shared dressing room for actors located on one floor. Currently, actors change on two floors, which according to Vávra is impractical. "Personally, I have experienced changing on the third floor above the stage and having to get down in the elevator to make my entrance. As it is known, theatrical timing is terrible, so if you are missing for a minute somewhere, it seems like you've been gone for an hour," recalled Vávra of one of his acting experiences.
    The project for the building permit is to be completed by the end of the year, the reconstruction is expected to start at the end of June, and it will last the entire theatre season. By September 2011, performances should again take place in the newly repaired building.