Largest investment project in the building’s history has been dealing with numerous complications. Photo: @BrnoDaily
Brno, Mar 6 (BD) – “With Brno Municipality, we agreed that in the 2017-2018 season, while the renovations are being carried out, we’ll maintain a full volume of new production,” said Director of the National Theatre Brno Martin Glaser last spring.
The Janáček Theatre has been undergoing extensive renovations since last summer, the largest investment project in the building’s history.
The renovations comprise modernization of sanitary facilities, the interior spectator area, and restaurant. The theatre stage, facilities for employees and stage technology will be completely new. The plan envisages the reconstruction of the roof, all fluid mechanics, and the parking area.
Due to the ongoing renovations, the theatre company rehearses and performs plays in other provisory venues. For example, Brno Exhibition Centre hosted West Side Story ballet, but now they perform it in Lužánky park.
The theatre has repeatedly reported problems and delays during the renovations. One of the most serious problems the workers have encountered was the presence of toxic asbestos hidden in the wiring and walls. Builders have had to adjust the entire renovation agenda since only professional asbestos removal companies can eliminate such materials.
In November 2018, the largest stage in Central Europe at Janáček Theatre should be renovated in time to host, as usual, the 6th International Opera and Music Festival Janáček Brno 2018. “I believe that we will succeed and in autumn of 2018, the actors and audience will return to the theatre,” said Deputy Mayor Richard Mrázek.
The total cost of the theatre renovations is now 582,862,060 Czech crowns without VAT, the City of Brno reported on February 27, 2017.
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