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THE GRAND RECONSTRUCTION
One year ago today, on December 6, the Maly Theatre reopened the famous doors of the main historical stage to the public.
2017 is a special year for us: we finally returned to the historical stage, a building that every art lover associates with the Maly Theatre. Having started to work actively at the end of January, by May the main stage released two premieres: «King Lear» by William Shakespeare, directed by Anton Yakovlev and «Talents and Admirers» by Alexander Ostrovsky, staged by Vladimir Dragunov.
It all started in 2012, when a special platform was put under the foundation, undercut by the Neglinka River, and new piles were installed. It was crucial to strengthen the walls of the building. The theatre, however, continued to operate and to host visitors. Sometimes the actors had to wear special masks during the rehearsals to protect themselves from construction dust, but the team was happy to be able to stay on the historical stage for as long as possible. At the same time, the underground areas of the theatre were significantly expanded and increased.
In May 2014, the main stage was closed for renovation and technical re-equipment. From now on the performances were held on Bolshaya Ordynka stage and temporarily, during two seasons, some of the shows were held at the Culture Centre of Moscow Aviation Institute.
The construction company executed big work of selective replacement of the floor slabs, underpinning of the foundations and wall brickwork. They also started the waterproofing and arrangement of foundation bearing plate. New engineering systems were integrated, all theatrical technologies were replaced - light, sound and mechanics, as well as a turntable. The wardrobe of the first floor was significantly increased.
Since the building of Maly Theatre is a unique memorial of culture and architecture and one of the main elements forming the architectural complex of Moscow Theatre Place certain premises could not be changed or rebuilt and had to be preserved. The auditorium in the first place. Perhaps the most challenging task was to preserve the unique acoustics of the auditorium. Moreover, 8 unique bells that appeared in the theatre in the 30-ies of the XX century, remained at their rightful place.
The picturesque painted ceiling was restored, and was brought back safe and sound. Works were carried out according to materials of architect A.P. Velikanov, who reconstructed the theatre in 1947. The courtyard was rebuilt and a new hall appeared, the expansion of the Shchepkinsky foyer, where exhibitions of the Maly Theatre are now held.
In addition to technical difficulties, builders faced the management's request not to open the roof over the stage. According to popular belief within the theatre's company, the souls of the Maly Theatre’s gone actors remain within its walls. If someone opens the ceiling, the souls will fly away. What is it? A fairytale? A superstition? Nevertheless, it was prohibited by the Artistic Director of the Maly Theatre Yuri Solomin and the artists to touch the ceiling. The builders were instructed to rearrange design documentation, to come up with another way to strengthen the roof, but not touch the ceiling above the stage and the auditorium under any circumstances.
Reconstruction, with completion planned for 2018, was finished earlier - the theatre was reopened in December 2016. A gala concert «Opening» that entered the Maly Theatre’s repertoire was held to commemorate this special date.
One year ago today, on December 6, the Maly Theatre reopened the famous doors of the main historical stage to the public.
2017 is a special year for us: we finally returned to the historical stage, a building that every art lover associates with the Maly Theatre. Having started to work actively at the end of January, by May the main stage released two premieres: «King Lear» by William Shakespeare, directed by Anton Yakovlev and «Talents and Admirers» by Alexander Ostrovsky, staged by Vladimir Dragunov.
It all started in 2012, when a special platform was put under the foundation, undercut by the Neglinka River, and new piles were installed. It was crucial to strengthen the walls of the building. The theatre, however, continued to operate and to host visitors. Sometimes the actors had to wear special masks during the rehearsals to protect themselves from construction dust, but the team was happy to be able to stay on the historical stage for as long as possible. At the same time, the underground areas of the theatre were significantly expanded and increased.
In May 2014, the main stage was closed for renovation and technical re-equipment. From now on the performances were held on Bolshaya Ordynka stage and temporarily, during two seasons, some of the shows were held at the Culture Centre of Moscow Aviation Institute.
The construction company executed big work of selective replacement of the floor slabs, underpinning of the foundations and wall brickwork. They also started the waterproofing and arrangement of foundation bearing plate. New engineering systems were integrated, all theatrical technologies were replaced - light, sound and mechanics, as well as a turntable. The wardrobe of the first floor was significantly increased.
Since the building of Maly Theatre is a unique memorial of culture and architecture and one of the main elements forming the architectural complex of Moscow Theatre Place certain premises could not be changed or rebuilt and had to be preserved. The auditorium in the first place. Perhaps the most challenging task was to preserve the unique acoustics of the auditorium. Moreover, 8 unique bells that appeared in the theatre in the 30-ies of the XX century, remained at their rightful place.
The picturesque painted ceiling was restored, and was brought back safe and sound. Works were carried out according to materials of architect A.P. Velikanov, who reconstructed the theatre in 1947. The courtyard was rebuilt and a new hall appeared, the expansion of the Shchepkinsky foyer, where exhibitions of the Maly Theatre are now held.
In addition to technical difficulties, builders faced the management's request not to open the roof over the stage. According to popular belief within the theatre's company, the souls of the Maly Theatre’s gone actors remain within its walls. If someone opens the ceiling, the souls will fly away. What is it? A fairytale? A superstition? Nevertheless, it was prohibited by the Artistic Director of the Maly Theatre Yuri Solomin and the artists to touch the ceiling. The builders were instructed to rearrange design documentation, to come up with another way to strengthen the roof, but not touch the ceiling above the stage and the auditorium under any circumstances.
Reconstruction, with completion planned for 2018, was finished earlier - the theatre was reopened in December 2016. A gala concert «Opening» that entered the Maly Theatre’s repertoire was held to commemorate this special date.
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