Speak up for atmosphere

Published Monday 8 May 2006 at 17:15

I was impressed by Stuart Sherwin’s letter about the upcoming Theatre Engineering and Architecture conference.

Many of us involved in theatre design believe that the only purpose of a theatre is to bring actors and audiences together in a dynamic and vibrant relationship. Mr Sherwin correctly observes that London is blessed with some of the most intimate and exciting theatres in the world - even though their seating, backstage and lobby facilities are the subject of much contemporary complaint. Their essence, creating lively spaces for human interaction, is only matched by theatres of the same period built on Broadway.

It was actors who were among the first to realize that the sterile hand of modern architecture had, throughout much of the 20th century, created so many sterile and inhuman theatrical spaces.

This is why since the late seventies, many theatre designers and a few architects around the world have attempted to seek inspiration from our heritage of early 20th century theatre design as a guide to the future. Spreading news of this ‘revolution’ will be a large part of the conference and will attract designers and architects from around the world.

I have to add that the quality of stage floors and the mistakes too often made in their construction actually are critical issues for the actor. So we earnestly hope that actors will be raising their voices during our deliberations.

Richard Pilbrow

Chairman

Theatre Projects Consultants

Elizabeth Street

South Norwalk, CT

USA