Royal Shakespeare Theatre

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is a large national theater owned by the Royal Shakespeare Company dedicated to the work of British poet William Shakespeare. It is located in his hometown of Stratford- upon- Avon in the English Midlands. The theater is located on the banks of the Avon.

History

The modern theater was opened on 23 April 1932. It was designed by the architect Elisabeth Scott. This was the first important buildings in England, which was built according to the plans of an architect. The building had become necessary after a fire on March 6, 1926, the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in 1879 (opened on 19 April ) had been destroyed. It has been managed since 1961 by the Royal Shakespeare Company and played and then received the new name Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Building

Today's building

The theater has a proscenium stage, called a proscenium stage and a seating capacity of 1,500 spectators. These are placed on three levels, the floor, the rank and the balcony ( with side balconies ). The input to the balconies via a separate side door outside of the building. The theater has some remarkable Art Deco elements, including the staircase, lobby on both sides of the auditorium and the doors to the auditorium. It is a listed building ( Grade II * listing). The Swan Theatre and the RST ( Royal Shakespeare Theatre ) have at a common stage door and also a common stage area behind the rear walls, so that it is possible, from a switch to the other stage (which is sometimes used even in productions, so Venetian Twins at the Swan 1993). The theater is on the west bank of the Avon and the bar and restaurant next to the balconies overlooking the river.

Rebuilding

Plans to rebuild the theater, are currently being implemented. The modifications include an advanced stage and places a for more than 1,300 spectators, the public areas are renovated and expanded. The cafe under the roof and the restaurant to be renewed, as well as the areas behind the stage, to improve the conditions for the actors and the stagehands. The new theater will also facilitate access for visitors with disabilities and allow them a comfortable theater.

The theater itself is a one-room theater, which allows actors and audience to share the same space, as was customary at the time of Shakespeare. The stage extends into the auditorium and will be surrounded on 3 sides with seats. This stage construction will not only allow more traditional Shakespearean productions, but the RSC can bring the audience into closer contact with the actors, which will cause a more personal theater experience.

Performances are currently held at the Courtyard Theatre, a temporary building that was built onto the nearby theater The Other Place and this replaced from time to time. The renovation plans have been highly controversial, especially as it was planned in the meantime, completely demolish the building.

The theater was opened on 4 December 2010 with a unique idea for sponsors of A Masque for the New Theatre ( A mask for the new theater ), performed by a small group of members of the ensemble again. The first production for a paying audience was a short modern ballet entitled Handbag (Handbag ) on December 6, 2010. The first play, which was performed in the new theater was, in June 2011, Macbeth, directed by Michael Boyd.

Facilities

The facilities are fully rebuilt. At times, guided tours available behind the stage.