Alterations to the façade are designed to make the theater building stand out within the urban context as a prominent cultural institution, although it is dictated by the functional demands of the theater as well. The main entrance to the theater is designed through a passage tunnel which is located on the left side of the building, under the tower. The width of the passage corresponds to the width of three window openings and this section is slightly brought forward throughout the whole height of the building. The entrance is emphasized with an iron balcony above the tunnel and three vertical iron bars meant to display posters. The historical windows above the entrance are preserved. The façade windows on the ground floor are expanded thus the theater lobby becomes exposed to the street. In the corner of the lobby next to the entrance passage there is a café. The café windows are also facing the entrance tunnel expressing welcome gesture for public to enjoy the café before and after the theater performances. Glass in façade windows on the second and third floor is substituted with a concrete wall due to acoustic reasons, leaving the window bays still recognizable. Behind these windows there is a hall with balcony where the windows have never been used.

 

Flytower of the stage of the historical hall according to the international standards must be as high as the stage arch. For this reason the roof above the stage must be raised higher. Thus the top of the building is composed with vertically stressed metal construction and metal plate paneling. Flytower during the daytime is lighted through glass profile belts made as vertical blinds. During the night the vertically lit belts make the tower visible within the urban scenery.

 

Through the entrance passage the visitor arrives to the public courtyard. It is a captivating space – infused with the charm of the theater world magic and some backstage secrecy. The courtyard is surrounded with the historical yellow brick houses. Glass panels and industrial metal constructions are added to this scenery – suspended bridge, elevators, bars, wire ropes, balconies and dark gray, almost black stage background. In the courtyard there are four trees planted in boxes surrounded with benches. There is also a small flower garden on a terrace and green creepers on the wall of the neighbor house. Rough brick walls and metal constructions are opposed to the green plants and trees. The show can be started! The entrance of the building is located at the far end of the courtyard with a lobby behind the glass wall. Above the entrance evolving doors there is a balcony. Above the balcony there is a place for posters. The unifying elements of the exterior and interior are the cobblestone flooring and brick walls of the old houses, exposed also in the interior. Behind the entrance, by the old brick wall there are placed monumental stairs to the first floor. Under the stairs there is made a huge fireplace which has several symbolical connotations. Under the stairs to the right there is also an information counter with ticket office function. From the central lobby the audience is guided to the right – to the historical hall and to the left – to the new halls. All halls have their independent lobbies with wardrobes and facilities.

 

The glass foyer on the first floor with the public balcony above the entrance is the main space for the audience where to spend the intermissions. In the foyer next to the staircase there is a counter with refreshments, tables are arranged by the glass wall with a view to the courtyard. 

Less…