Opava is considering the extension of the Silesian Theatre due to the poor condition of the facilities

Opava - The Opava City Hall has reopened the idea of completing the building of the Silesian Theatre at the Upper Square in the city center. The theatre's facilities, such as workshops, a laundry, and storage rooms, should be moved there. Currently, the theatre utilizes a building on Rybí Trh street, which is in poor technical condition and is unsustainable for long-term use. Roman Konečný, the city's spokesperson, said this today.

According to Konečný, the situation with the building on Rybí Trh street is further complicated by the fact that the building has been declared a cultural monument, which significantly restricts the possibilities for its reconstruction and adaptation to the current needs of the theatre's operations. "We therefore need to find a functional solution that will allow the theatre to operate decently in the coming years," added Deputy Mayor Pavel Meletzký (ANO).

Currently, the building on Rybí Trh houses storage, sewing workshops, a laundry, storage rooms, an archive, a rehearsal hall, and a theatre club, all of which are essential for the theatre's operation. "The spaces are crucial for the theatre's operations. From storage to workshops, archives, and even laundries. We cannot do without their replacement in the future," stated theatre director Petr Kazík.

According to him, a third of the historical building is in a condition suitable for demolition. "We are not even allowed to go there anymore. Another part is in poor condition and needs to be repaired. These spaces can still be utilized. Moving is necessary," the director stated. The theatre could acquire and temporarily use the buildings of an abandoned school on Olomoucká street from the Moravian-Silesian Region, he added.

However, according to him, this is only a temporary solution. The definitive solution is seen in the completion of the theatre or the repair of the building on Rybí Trh street. "But rather than reconstruct a national monument, which doesn't even have an elevator and we have to carry everything up the stairs, we believe it is better to build a new building that will create a functional whole with the theatre," Kazík said, noting that this is one of his main tasks in office.

According to Konečný, the city has already begun to explore several solution options. One of them includes the completion of the space behind the historic theatre building, where there has previously been development. "This is not a new idea. We are building on the historical development of the area and earlier professional proposals. There used to be houses in the area, so the completion would connect to the original structure of the city," noted city architect Petr Stanjura, who proposed the idea of completion about five years ago. Several student designs on this topic have already been created in the past.

"However, this is currently not a finalized project or a final decision. The city's goal is to find a solution that will ensure quality facilities for the Silesian Theatre while also being appropriate for the historical city center," said Konečný.