Jihočeské divadlo would like a more suitable venue for its activities

České Budějovice - The South Bohemian Theatre is striving to operate in a more suitable facility. According to its representatives, the current theatre building has insufficient capacity. As a result, all ensembles cannot perform at one location and are using multiple spaces in České Budějovice. The city is considering the construction of a cultural center. Representatives of the city council believe that a suitable location could be the current parking lot at Mariánské náměstí. However, the project is expected to cost hundreds of millions of crowns, and the city cannot finance it from its own resources. Jaromír Talíř (KDU-ČSL), the deputy mayor of České Budějovice, told ČTK.

The South Bohemian Theatre is preparing a debate titled "Center of Interest" on this topic for May 13. On this occasion, representatives from the cultural scene, city council, architects, and urban planners will be able to express their opinions on the potential construction of a new building. "I always say that Budějovice deserves a new multi-purpose cultural building. I believe it should be a concert hall for 600 to 700 listeners, in addition to the theatre," Talíř stated. According to him, the new facility could also be used by the South Bohemian Philharmonic.

In addition to the city's plans, there is also a project proposed by the South Bohemian Society of Friends of Music (JSPH). For several years now, they have been striving to build the Antonín Dvořák Concert and Congress Center, known as Rejnok. The building, estimated at two billion crowns, was proposed some time ago by the late architect Jan Kaplický. The project sought support from the European IROP grant program, which could potentially secure up to one-third of the estimated amount. "For now, we won’t comment on how this matter is progressing," JSPH chairman Antonín Kazil told ČTK today.

According to the director of the South Bohemian Theatre, Lukáš Průdek, České Budějovice is somewhat unique. "It is the only four-company theatre in the country that does not have adequate facilities," he stated. The drama and ballet perform in the main building on Dr. Stejskal Street, the opera operates in the Metropol cultural house, and the Small Theatre is located on Hradební Street. The building on Dr. Stejskal Street has a capacity of 250 spectators. "It was originally created in the 1970s as a chamber stage for the intended construction of a new theatre," Průdek noted.

About 50 years ago, the city considered building a cultural center at Mariánské náměstí. "And since then, nothing has happened. We have a beautifully renovated current building, where the stage 'In the Attic' was also created, but the conditions here are quite cramped," Průdek said.

Talíř added that unlike other regional cities, České Budějovice has not constructed any significant cultural building in recent years. "Elsewhere, theatres or libraries have been created with the support of state grants. And utilizing some kind of grant is the only way it could succeed here as well," he stated.