<Těšínské divadlo> has reopened after renovations, a new cultural center has been established

Czech Těšín - The extensive reconstruction of the Těšín Theater has been completed. It lasted 18 months and cost 139 million crowns. The result is the creation of the creative Těšín Theater and Cultural Center (TDKC), which connects professional theater operations, educational programs, and community activities for all generations. It continues the long-standing and regionally crucial Czech-Polish cooperation. This was stated to journalists today by the theater's spokesperson Zuzana Martinčík Glacová.

The idea for the center and the preparation of project documentation began in 2023. The actual revitalization of the Těšín Theater started last April, and the building was closed from July of the same year. Nevertheless, all three artistic ensembles continued their operations throughout this time.

"It was madness. Primarily in terms of accepting the project. There was no other chance. Everything had to be done in a short amount of time," said the theater's director Petr Kracik. "It was a lot of pressure and stress. I am glad that everything worked out," he said.

The reconstruction of the 1961 building is part of the Těšín Theater and Cultural Center project, co-financed from the National Recovery Plan. The total costs for the repair were 139 million crowns. The project was supported by the European Union with an amount of 111.5 million crowns.

"The Těšín Theater is of exceptional significance for our region. It is the center of Czech-Polish cultural exchange and a place where both cultures naturally connect. The revitalized theater and the newly opened Těšín Theater and Cultural Center represent a huge benefit for the region and for all of the Czech Republic," stated Peter Harvánek (SPD), the councilor of the Moravian-Silesian Region for culture and heritage care.

The revitalization of the theater included extensive modifications to facilities for actors, technicians, and visitors. Workers restored hallways, dressing rooms, original historical lights, and elements in the foyer, whose colors were coordinated with the original design of the building. "We preserved artistic elements from the original construction period in the interior. Their author is Zdeněk Vávra, the father of architect and actor David Vávra, with whom we consulted the reconstruction in detail," said Zdeněk Miček from the architectural team.

The stage and auditorium themselves underwent significant transformation. The new theater floor is made from alder wood. "The stage and auditorium today look fresh and modern. The acoustics, technical possibilities, and overall comfort for the audience and artistic ensembles have changed. We wanted to create an environment that is stable, high-quality, and sustainable in the long term," added Kracik.

The capacity of the main hall is now 353 seats and four fully functional spaces for disabled audience members have been added. According to Glacová, one of the biggest benefits of the revitalization is the creation of the TDKC. This will offer workshops, concerts, educational programs, community activities, and creative workshops. It also includes a renewed observatory.

The Těšín Theater in Czech Těšín was established in 1945. The first Czech stage was supplemented by a Polish one six years later. The puppet stage Bajka has been part of the theater since 2008. Currently, the Těšín Theater is the only professional Czech theater that consists of three artistic ensembles performing in two different languages. This is related to the strong Polish minority in Těšín. Many acting personalities, such as Květa Fialová, Bořivoj Navrátil, and Josef Somr, have passed through the theater.