RENATO RIZZI BRINGS SHAKESPEAREAN THEATER TO GDANSK

A dramatic new stage with a roof that can be opened into two vertical wings

Four centuries after Gdansk saw the construction of its first Elizabethan theater, a new forum for Shakespeare’s work has been constructed on the very site of the original. Commissioned in 2004, the same year that Poland entered the European Union, the theater represents not only Gdansk’s past, but also its future. Italian architect Renato Rizzi undertook the task of creating a structure that is coherent with its current environment, but traces the ruins of the 17th century building.

The building is clad in dark brick masonry with three individual volumes rising from the structure: the administrative area, an observation tower and the theater. An elevated pedestrian pathway runs along the volumes, offering a visual connection with the city at six meters above the entrance.

The 12-meter ceiling creates one distinct volume over which looms the adjacent 18-meter observation tower. The tower offers a bird’s eye view of Gdansk and also divides the theater space from the administrative space, an area which contains offices, a restaurant, dressing rooms and more.

As a nod to the traditional Elizabethan theater, the new theater’s ceiling can be entirely opened. Two mechanical “wings” form the ceiling of the theater. When open, the wings become two latticed vertical walls, looming 24-meters high. Masonry ribs on the outer walls ensure the stability and wind resistance of the wings by absorbing exerted pressure. The observation tower overlooks the interior of the theater when the roof is open.

Inside, the nature of the structure changes with light wood contrasting the somber brick exterior. A rich, honey-toned wood forms the boxes and columns of the theater, while another wood was chosen for the suspended volume above the foyer. The theater outlines the seating plan of the original 17th century theater with six columns of seating on the long side and five on the short side. The 51 cubic boxes offer seating for approximately 600 spectators.

Additionally, the stage is designed to respond to various configurations, ranging from Shakespearean drama to large-scale events. Much like the ceiling, the stage is mobile, and the building becomes the modern adaptation of a long-established public space.