Czech Table to discuss construction of new theatre and conversion of the Světovar brewery in Pilsen

As part of the Theatre Architecture section at the PQ 2011, at 4pm on 24 June St. Anne’s Church in Prague will host a public discussion with the title CZECH TABLE. The topic of discussion will be the construction of a new theatre near Pilsen’s historic centre and the conversion of the former Světovar brewery – a protected cultural monument – into a cultural and residential centre.

We can build as many cultural cathedrals as we like, but it doesn't automatically make us any more cultured.

In 2010, the west Bohemian town of Pilsen was awarded the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture for the year 2015. The purpose of this title, which the European Union has bestowed upon one or more European cities for one year since 1985, is to stimulate cultural development and change in the city in question. The aim of the “Czech Table” is to present what were clearly the most dominant and ambitious projects within Pilsen’s candidacy for 2015 European Capital of Culture. One is the construction of a new theatre in the vicinity of the city’s historic centre; the other is the conversion of the former Světovar brewery – a protected cultural monument – into a cultural and residential centre. The new theatre and the first stage of the brewery’s conversion into the 4x4 Kultur Fabrik are planned for 2014.

The aim of the debate is to place several question out “on the table.” The questions should interest not just experts and professional from the fields of theatre and architecture, but are designed to be of interest to the general public as well.  

What approach is being taken to the realization of the new cultural centres? To what extent do the city’s intentions reflect citizens’ ideas, and how much public debate has been taking place? Is the city working with the local community? Will the centre’s programmes be of an international scope? Is the realization (and especially the operation) of both ambitious and expensive projects a city priority and does the city have the money?

DEBATE ORGANISERS:

The Czech section of Theatre Architecture at PQ’11, in collaboration with Plzeň 2015 o.p.s.

CZECH TABLE, 24 June, 4pm, St. Anne’s Church

More information at www.pq.cz