Another act: the expansion of the Attila József Theatre can begin

The József Attila Theatre in District XIII is undergoing renovation and will be expanded by nearly 1,000 square metres. According to an announcement published in the European Public Procurement Bulletin, the reconstruction of the building located at 63 Váci út will be carried out by Fejér-B.Á.L. Zrt. and Épkar Zrt.. The work must be carried out while the theatre remains partially operational. The net value of the investment is HUF 5,072,953,809.

The expansion plans were prepared by ArchiNEST Építész és Mérnökiroda Kft., Art´O-Dom Első Otthonépítő Kft. and Színház-Terv Kft.. The companies were selected through a public procurement process before 2021.

According to the published notice, a five-storey building with a total floor area of 5,526 square metres will be constructed above the basement and ground floor, with accessibility.

Full renovation of the auditorium

The reconstruction concerns the raising of the stage's risers and the construction of the right and left side stages. The contractors will also have to take care of the architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical aspects.

The auditorium will also undergo a complete renovation, including the flooring, the sound and lighting systems and the boxes.

The service areas of the theatre will be made accessible. Two lifts will be installed, and the offices, dressing rooms and rehearsal rooms will be adapted accordingly.

Sound and lighting technology will also be modernised

Plans also include the construction of a new, representative community space, which will be used by the theatre's colleagues on demand.

The entire theatre technology will be replaced in line with modern requirements, including stage machinery, electro-acoustics and effects lighting.

The building was originally built in 1947-1948 as a community centre. On 14 December 1953, it began operating as an operetta theatre under the name of Déryné Stage. In the autumn of 1955, it became the Chamber Theatre of the Hungarian People's Army Theatre under the name of Attila József Theatre. In 2017, the building's interior and facade were renovated in several phases as part of a six-year modernisation project.