New Theater in Pilsen is about to begin trial operation

Plzeň - Just before the start of trial operations, the New Theater in Plzeň is considered the most modern theater building in the country. The facility, costing approximately 880 million CZK with a unique slanted perforated facade on the theater's front, is expected to be gradually taken over and filled by theater practitioners from mid-June. The handover will take place on September 1, followed by the ceremonial opening on September 2, featuring "The Bartered Bride." Pavel Šindelář (ODS), the technical deputy mayor, commented on the project's status.
    "Currently, preparatory inspections are taking place on the theater building leading to the start of trial operations, which is set to begin on June 15. The building, including the parking house, will be completed by September 1," he stated. He pointed out that the schedule for the parking house has shifted, so the facility will be put into early use in July.
    The construction of the New Theater on Jízdecká Street, divided into operational and theater buildings with two halls, an auditorium for 500 spectators, a restaurant, a ballet school, and a studio stage, will cost approximately 880 million CZK. Whether this will be the final amount remains to be seen. The contracting company Hochtief is still claiming reimbursement of about 20 million CZK for additional work related to earthworks. The councilors refused to pay this, so it will be up to Hochtief to decide whether to pursue the claim in court.
    "However, Hochtief has committed that regardless of the payment of this amount, they are prepared to guarantee the date of September 1," Šindelář noted. He is convinced that considering how the theater will look and the technologies used in it, the city will ultimately find it affordable.
    Plzeň is the first city in the country to build a new theater with facilities after 1989. The dominant feature of the modern building is the facade, which contains 40 oval openings. The facade measures 22 meters wide, 14 meters high, and is approximately half a meter thick. Three openings will serve as entrances into the building.
    The New Theater will replace the inadequate spaces of the Chamber Theater on Prokopova Street. It is part of the project for the European Capital of Culture 2015.