The stage
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The stage is a space that includes the main stage with a width of 26 meters and a depth of 39.5 meters, measured together with the rear pocket – the stage backdrop, and two side pockets. It is equipped with 6 stage traps that can move up or down by 3 meters in any configuration, as well as a smaller trap in the proscenium.
A total of 14 wagons with dimensions of 16.5 x 2.7 meters can enter the stage from the right, left, and rear pockets. The theatre also features a rotating stage with a diameter of 16 meters, suspended on the wall of the rear pocket. The arrangement of the revolving stage is made possible by a special, movable structure.
All the driving devices of the stage are electronically controlled. Above the stage, there are 16 electrically driven flybars and 25 line-operated flybars for raising and lowering set elements. In the stage backdrop, 15 electrically driven flybars are in operation.
The height of the stage, including the sub-stage, rigging, and technical grid, is 46 meters.
© Maciej Piąsta
The stage is equipped with a modern lighting rig consisting of 600 spotlights powered by 450 controllers, including 150 mobile ones, all controlled by a computer system through DMX and Ethernet signals. The lighting equipment is installed at various points on the stage and in the auditorium, on special structures, and on 6 mobile bridges. The system also includes intelligent lighting devices such as "moving heads," LED (light-emitting diode) and HMI (discharge) technology floodlights. Lighting technicians have 4 positions for operating follow spots, commonly known as "spotlights."
The stage and auditorium are equipped with a modern digital sound system. The stage also features video projectors and large screens for high-quality projections, as well as devices for creating special effects such as snow, smoke, bubbles, confetti, etc.
The orchestra pit accommodates 70 musicians. Thanks to the two traps installed there, its level can be adjusted to match the stage level, thus expanding the proscenium.
The theatre's audience area has a capacity of 1074 seats.
© Maciej Piąsta
The total volume of the main and technical buildings of the Grand Theatre in Łódź is 195,000 m3. The theatre is equipped with 2 textile curtains and 4 fire-resistant steel curtains.
Within the theatre building, there are all the necessary workshops, including set design, carpentry, tailoring, sewing, modeling, wig-making, and fashion workshops. Artists have the opportunity to work in four large rehearsal halls and several smaller rooms for individual work.
The new technical building, 2013, © Maciej Piąsta
The painting studio in the new technical building, 2013, © Maciej Piąsta
The idea of constructing a representative building for a drama theatre in Łódź emerged shortly after World War II. In 1948, a competition was announced for the design of such a facility. The architects behind the National Theatre building (as it was initially named) were the late Witold Korski (in collaboration with his father Józef) and Roman Szymborski. They worked closely with distinguished directors and theatre experts, including Leon Schiller, Otto Axer, and Tadeusz Laskowski. Construction began in 1949 and, with intermittent interruptions, lasted for 18 years. In 1954, a resolution of the Presidium of the National Council of the City of Łódź changed the purpose of the building, mainly at the request of the newly formed but homeless Łódź Opera, converting it into an opera theatre.
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