TEATRUL NATIONAL ”RADU STANCA” SIBIU

The challenge

The continuous growth of both the ”Radu Stanca” National Theatre in Sibiu (TNRS) and the Sibiu International Theatre Festival (FITS - https://www.sibfest.ro/?locale=en) requires a new and improved infrastructure. The plan includes the construction of a new building for the National Theatre as well as the development of a new concept for theperforming arts industry: the development of The Culture Factory (Fabrica de Cultura). After the City Hall of Sibiu has recently bought this venue, TNRS has now available a generous space which comprises a total space of 6700 square meters, located on the premises of a former communist factory.

The concept

The Culture Factory aims to become:

- a hybrid between built spaces and open spaces;

- quite close to the city centre, but in the heart of a middle-income neighborhood, in an attempt to bring culture even closer to the local community;

- a successful public-private partnership to encourage cultural entrepreneurship and sustainable resources for theperforming arts;

- a mix between an artistic program which combines two flagship performances (”Faust” - a milestone in the history of the Romanian theatre, and ”The Scarlet Princess”, both of them directed by Silviu Purcarete) and an educational and research program which involves the Drama and Cultural Management & Theater Studies Department of the ”Lucian Blaga” University, which aims to bring young professionals closer to a practical approach to cultural events.

Making it happen

Besides the investments brought to the space already by the former owner (estimated at almost 500,000 euros), this project still needs improvements which are crucial for reaching the full potential of the space:

- HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system – at this point the venues have no such system which makes thespace available for performing only during the summertime;

- Energy efficiency investments – the halls need isolation as well as other specific measure to provide increased energyefficiency and even autonomy;

- Outdoor space investments – although the huge space available on the premises was already improved, more furnishingis needed in order to allow outdoor performances;

- Technical equipment – it is a specific need for investments related to sound, lights, visual facilities.