National Theatre opens at new home

16 November 2004

BRUSSELS – Brussels’ National Theatre opened the doors of its new home on Tuesday with a visit from King Albert and Queen Paola.

The theatre, which used to be based in Place Rogier, was forced to move in 2001 when the Rogier tower was demolished.

Since then, it has been temporarily based at the Palace on Boulevard Anspach.

Its new premises on Boulevard Emile Jacqmain were purpose-built at a cost of EUR 27 million.

The French Community, which runs the theatre, paid for EUR 13.1 million of the project while the rest was funded by the building company BBC in a deal agreed with the region in 2001.

Actors can now look forward to performing in a large theatre seating 766 people, and in a smaller studio which seats 250.

The four-storey premises also have a large foyer, two bars and a rehearsal room.

To celebrate its opening, the theatre will be holding a festival, running from November 19 to December 6.

As well as a series of plays, the theatre has teamed up with the theatre group D’une certaine gaiete to put on six performances on the theme of what constitutes theatre.

The audience can enjoy everything from an Arabic evening to a piano bar, singing and an interactive show.

For details see www.theatrenational.be

Subject: Belgian news