Open-air theatre at Durbar Hall Grounds soon

KOCHI:  The construction work on the ultra-modern open-air theatre (OAT) at Durbar Hall Grounds will begin soon with the Tourism Department allocating a  sum of Rs 1.44 crore for the structure. The OAT will be equipped with facilities to hold film screenings, plays,  mega shows and cultural evenings “This sort of an OAT is common in public gardens in countries like Singapore. It will include a fully-roofed permanent stage with ultra modern  sound and light systems. The stage, that will be mountable, will be approximately 12 m x 18 m. This will be done by sloping the ground towards  the stage using a combination of artificial and natural grass. We are  looking to create a 3D effect,” said architect Gopakumar of G K Architect,  who designed the project. A cyclorama will be present at the back wall of the stage. With the lighting system, this can be used creatively during shows and presentations to create varied lighting illuminations. To facilitate screening of movies, the stage  will have a concealable screen. This can be pulled down as and when required. Screening of children’s movies and yesteryear movies are proposed to be some of the attractions of the theatre.The stage will also have a lighting control console used on modern theatre stages for creating dramatic lighting effects making it a platform for  theatre artists. Apart from this, there will be permanent sound system, permanent battery system and attached green rooms. In the first stage, the project will cost about Rs 1.07 crores. "The work on the project is expected to begin in a week. The process has been completed. We are waiting for the Tourism Minister to come down and inaugurate it at the earliest,” said Hibi Eden MLA.