Repairing the interior of Janáček Theatre will require 600 million korunas

Brno - The next stage of the reconstruction of the Janáček Theatre in Brno will require approximately 600 million crowns over the next two years. According to Lenka Tesáčková, the operations manager of the National Theatre Brno, the project will be completed in October. It will include a complete modernization of the distribution systems, facilities for artists, rehearsal rooms, as well as the renovation of some elements in the foyer while preserving the original spirit of the architecturally valuable building.

The first phase of repairs focused on the façade and stage mechanics ended in June. It cost 44 million crowns. The upcoming next phase is more demanding financially, technically, and organizationally. Construction work will begin in April 2017 and last until October. Craftsmen will return to the Janáček Theatre in April 2018 and will likely remain there until September of the same year.

According to Tesáčková, minimal investment has been made in repairs over the last half-century since the theatre has been in operation. The condition of the electrical, air conditioning, and water systems corresponds to that.

The artists' dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, offices, and practically all operations in the theatre's backstage also need modernization. In the audience areas, there will be new buffets, cloakrooms, ticket offices, and an information system. Some elements in the foyer need renovation, such as window sills and mirrors.

The design team is in contact with Ivan Ruller, one of the theatre's architects, to avoid any insensitive interventions that would violate the character of the building. "We want the theatre to remain beautiful and as it was, but at the same time to be functional," Tesáčková stated. After modernization, the Janáček Theatre will also receive a lifting platform for trucks to facilitate the delivery of decorations.

The planned reconstruction of the Janáček Theatre means greater workload for the Mahen Theatre in the next two seasons, where opera and ballet productions will be moved during the repairs. Currently, the roof repair and door replacement are finishing up, and the purchase of new lights and control desks for Mahen Theatre is nearing completion.