First world-class theater to be built here next year
First world-class theater to be built here next year
JAKARTA (JP): The construction of the country's first
international playhouse will begin next May, announced Wiyogo
Atmodarminto, chairman of the Yayasan Kesenian Jakarta, a local
art foundation.
"The ground breaking will mark the total renovation of Taman
Ismail Marzuki," Wiyogo said yesterday, referring to the art
complex in Cikini, Central Jakarta. The new theater will be built
on the site of the complex's open-air theater.
He said that the new playhouse will have a state-of-the-art
sound system and a capacity of 1,500 seats.
Currently the city's only playhouse, the Gedung Kesenian
Jakarta in Central Jakarta, seats 460
"We have to be serious in building this theater. We will use
foreign consultants to prepare the audio facilities but the
architectural design is being prepared by local consultants,"
said Pia Alisjahbana, a member of the foundation.
"The playhouse project will cost Rp 60 billion and it will
take three years to construct it," Wiyogo said.
Wiyogo, a former Jakarta governor, said the public's
appreciation of art is growing and that it is time for the city
to have adequate facilities to accommodate the growing demand, he
said.
Recalling the numbers attracted to the recently-concluded Art
Summit '95, Wiyogo said the 27-year-old Taman Ismail Marzuki is
no longer adequate as an arts center.
Renovation of the entire complex is expected to cost Rp 200
billion and to take 10 years to complete.
"Everything in TIM, including the art exhibition center and
the Jakarta Art Institute campus, will be reformed to meet
international standards," he said.
The renovation of TIM will be jointly financed by the city
administration and the public.
"The foundation will hold a fund raising drive to collect
money from the public," he said, adding that donors making large
contributions will have the opportunity to have their name put to
certain facilities.
"Or they can simply donate money to the foundation," he
said.(yns)