One of the oldest European theatres operating
continuously since its inauguration. It was constructed in 1781–1783 by the
imperial court architect Anton Haffenecker for count Franz Anton
Nostitz-Rieneck,
Mozart created two operas for Prague which
premiered in this theatre: "Don Giovanni" (1787) and "La
Clemenza di Tito" (1791).
This theatre is also on the list of the Perspectiv "Emperor Route"
This theatre is also on the list of the Perspectiv "Emperor Route"
Since 1920, the Estates Theatre has been the
second stage of the National Theatre.
We visited with the Theatre Timeline group of OISTAT.
Pavel Dautovsky, head of lighting, was so kind to show us around, and to point out the different renovations this theatre has had over the recent years.
As this is a working theatre, working under a repertoire system, part of the technology had to be up to date with modern requirements.
The front of house is still in it's former glory, the surprisingly small foyer has a more art deco feel to it, although the chandelier made of Bohemian glass looked a bit sixties.
The mayor renovation in theatre technology were done in the 80ties, including a large revolving stage that runs on a layer of oil.
We've seen the same in the Friedrichstadtpalast in Berlin (dating from the same period), but here the understage was surprisingly empty and roomy, leaving enough space to move around small elevators.
The elevators (from Skoda) ran on the same oil pressure system as the revolve.
The main problem repertoire theatres always have is storage room to put all the sets that are on repertoire at that moment.
Instead of expanding the building, they put their storage underground under the square behind the theatre.
Inside are wheeled platforms to store the sets and a track system to sort them out before they fit in the elevator that brings them backstage.
This system dates from the 80ties to.
Getting new sets in the building happens in the same area with an elevator that opens part of the square behind the building.
In my opinion is this a very elegant sollotion for many historic theatres that have lack of space.
Here in the Estate Theatre, they manage to run a busy operation without forgetting he heritage of building.
A last picture: in the basements these semi round woods are stored.
I've only seen them in use in Eastern European theatres, and I wonder is this is a more regional or a wider spread custom.
We visited with the Theatre Timeline group of OISTAT.
Pavel Dautovsky, head of lighting, was so kind to show us around, and to point out the different renovations this theatre has had over the recent years.
The front of house is still in it's former glory, the surprisingly small foyer has a more art deco feel to it, although the chandelier made of Bohemian glass looked a bit sixties.
We've seen the same in the Friedrichstadtpalast in Berlin (dating from the same period), but here the understage was surprisingly empty and roomy, leaving enough space to move around small elevators.
The elevators (from Skoda) ran on the same oil pressure system as the revolve.
Instead of expanding the building, they put their storage underground under the square behind the theatre.
Inside are wheeled platforms to store the sets and a track system to sort them out before they fit in the elevator that brings them backstage.
This system dates from the 80ties to.
Getting new sets in the building happens in the same area with an elevator that opens part of the square behind the building.
In my opinion is this a very elegant sollotion for many historic theatres that have lack of space.
Here in the Estate Theatre, they manage to run a busy operation without forgetting he heritage of building.
A last picture: in the basements these semi round woods are stored.
I've only seen them in use in Eastern European theatres, and I wonder is this is a more regional or a wider spread custom.
