In May, the reconstruction of the New Stage of the National Theatre will begin

Prague - The removal of poor acoustics and the creation of a new theater space is the main reason for the reconstruction of the New Stage of the National Theatre (ND) in Prague, which is scheduled to begin this May. The reconstruction of utilities and lighting, replacement of HVAC systems, modernization of stage technology, and restoration of interiors is to be completed by August 2015. The funding provided by the Ministry of Culture, including VAT, amounts to 336.6 million crowns. This was reported to ČTK by Radek Zdráhal, Deputy Minister of Culture for Arts, Literature, and Libraries.
    "In the case of such an extensive reconstruction, the operation of the New Stage will be significantly limited, possibly relocated to other spaces," said the spokesperson of the New Stage, Jan Plíhal, to ČTK. According to the Ministry of Culture's report, the resolution of poor acoustics primarily concerns addressing the over-damping of the space and the lack of useful reflections from the side and ceiling surfaces.
    Another goal of the reconstruction is, among other things, a new solution for the entrance and social spaces for the audience, which do not meet today's needs. Specifically, this concerns the inappropriate placement of the cloakroom for the audience and the currently unusable space of the columbarium. Plans include replacing outdated and malfunctioning stage technology equipment. Changes are also expected for the inadequate facilities of the stage and auditorium, such as the dressing rooms for performers, restrooms, buffets, and ticket sales areas.
    Deputy Zdráhal confirmed that a significant reason for the reconstruction of the New Stage is the fact that due to the restitution claims of the Kolowrat family, the ND drama ensemble will likely be forced to leave its space and theater stage in the Kolowrat Palace after 2013. In searching for new facilities, including a theater stage for the ND drama ensemble, consideration is being given to utilizing the reconstructed New Stage.
    The Ministry of Culture is also planning other investments in relation to the National Theatre. The construction of a new ballet hall and its facilities at the Anenské complex, an operational building of the ND, has already begun due to the merger of the ND ballet ensemble with the State Opera Prague ensemble. The budget costs for the project, which is to be completed this year, amount to 20 million crowns.
    In the years 2012 to 2015, the reconstruction of the historical and operational building of the State Opera will also take place. The start of the reconstruction is planned for this summer and should not interfere with the theater season. Grant funds of 260 million crowns are expected to cover the reconstruction of all utilities and lighting, the replacement of HVAC systems, modernization of stage technology, replacement of technical theatrical operational equipment, and the restoration of interiors.