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Culture goes out to the people. Revitalization of the Forest Theater in Gdańsk

14 of April '21

It is difficult to estimate how much longer culture will be cut off by government restrictions due to the prevailing pandemic state. But with the arrival of spring, the chances of holding outdoor events are growing. In Gdansk, a stage dedicated to outdoor performances was established as early as 1911, and will soon see revitalization. The Forest Theater in the Jaskowy Las Valley will gain new opportunities.

110 years of the stage in the forest

The Forest Theater at 45 Jaskowa Dolina Street was opened in 1911., two years after the opening of the much more popular Sopot Forest Opera. Events were held there until the outbreak of World War II. After 1945, attempts were made to resume its activities, but without success. The theater was reopened in 1998 on the initiative of the Committee of Residents of the Jan Matejko Estate in Wrzeszcz. At that time, the bushes completely overgrowing the valley were cleared and the earthen paths were leveled. The last renovation was carried out seven years ago.

However, this picturesque location unfortunately does not use its full potential. During the summer season, concerts, festivals and small performances are sporadically held. With the current state of the theater, each event requires the special erection of a stage with a canopy, the installation of lighting and a sound system, and the creation of all the facilities, which proves to be much more costly than using a space with ready-made infrastructure.

Photo: WikiCommons

the future is in the woods

What is expected to change after the upcoming revitalization? A permanent stage canopy in the characteristic shape of a sail will be built. A 700-seat auditorium with new seating is planned, as well as stylized lanterns along the access to the theater. An interesting feature is to be mirrored toilets that will blend into the forest background. Which of these ideas will actually be considered will become clear at the end of 2021, when the final architectural and spatial concept will be created, and the implementation date is unknown for now.

photo flickr | Agata_as

Already last year, the Directorate of Urban Development of Gdansk posted on its website an invitation to submit a bid for the development of a two-variant concept for the revitalization of the Forest Theater in Jaskowa Valley. Ten studios responded to the announcement, with their offers ranging from 28 thousand to as much as 236 thousand zlotys.

- In the case of most non-statutory procurements, the only criterion is price, and this is also the case with this proceeding, says Aneta Niezgoda of DRMG in an interview with trójmiasto.pl. - In all such proceedings, the assumed cost estimate is up to PLN 130 thousand net. It takes about three weeks to analyze the bids and select a contractor.
At the end of April 2021, the winning company will be selected, and will have seven months to develop it from the date of signing the contract. This means that it should see the light of day at the end of this year.

press materials | photo by Lukasz Unterschuetz

Due to the fact that the theater is located in an area listed in the register of monuments, the changes must gain the approval of the provincial conservator.

The concept for the revitalization of the Forest Theater assumes, among other things, the creation of apermanent stage with a sail-type can opy (it cannot be aggressive in color, wooden or wood-like materials - the conservator's guidelines), the creation of mobile facilities - dressing rooms, offices, toilets (stationary toilets, eg. mirrored - suggestion of GAK), strengthening of the slope together with its drainage (natural materials: wood, stone - conservator's guidelines), enlargement of the auditorium to about 700 seats, together with gradation of its height and replacement of seats made of natural materials with backrests (should not interfere with root systems of neighboring trees - conservator's guidelines), hardening of the area between the stage and the auditorium, lighting and monitoring of the theater area and the access from ul. Jaskowa Dolina (stylized lampposts in graphite color - conservator's guidelines), equipping the accessway with elements of small architecture (benches and baskets), installing plaques with historical photos along the alley leading to the theater, ensuring access for the disabled by adapting the accessway and the auditorium and stages, clearly marking the place. - reads the Gdansk City Hall website.

Using the existing infrastructure to create new opportunities and space for the city to develop culture is an excellent idea. After all, it's so easy to cut down trees in recent times, we might as well build an open-air theater from scratch and leave this non-functional monument to oblivion. Happily, this time the Forest Theater will regain life and a new audience.

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