Příbram will repair the auditorium in the Antonín Dvořák Theatre this year

Příbram – This year, Příbram will renovate the auditorium of the Antonín Dvořák Theatre. The project, costing 9.3 million crowns excluding VAT, aims to obtain a grant that will cover most of the expenses. The work is scheduled for the theatre's holiday, said Mayor Jan Konvalinka (for ANO) to reporters today.

During the renovations, the number of rows in the theatre will be reduced from 15 to 13, but visitors can expect greater comfort. Currently, the Příbram stage has 488 seats; this will be reduced to around 460. In addition to replacing the seats, there will also be a change in their height arrangement.

The city council has already approved the application for a grant, and the city is expected to contribute a quarter of the funding. "We are of course determined to carry out the renovation of the auditorium even if the grant is not awarded, because the theatre long deserves this renovation," stated the mayor.

Originally, the auditorium was supposed to be renovated last year, but the city leadership eventually canceled the tender. The reason was the objections from one of the bidders for the contract. The city hall feared possible delays and disruptions to the theatre season, so the project was moved to this year.

According to Anna Čiperová, the theatre's deputy director, visitors most frequently complain about the seats in the large stage and the overall condition of the small stage. The entire complex, which includes two theatre stages, an entertainment hall, and a cinema, was built according to the design of architect Václav Hilský. The curtain was first raised in the theatre on September 12, 1959. Since 2006, the building has been a cultural monument.

The building is not in good condition; previous estimates indicate that nearly 175 million crowns would be needed for its complete renovation. However, such a major reconstruction is currently beyond the city's capabilities. Recently, the city has invested in a new elevator in the cultural center.