The Hackney-based Arcola Theatre has announced plans to open a brand new outdoor theatre venue, with a 90 seat capacity, as early as this December.
The theatre space is being designed by Jon Bauser, who previously worked on the 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony.
The venue is being designed with COVID-19 measures in place. It will enable social distancing and help to ensure the safety of audience members and staff. Since the rate of transmission of the virus is lessened in outdoor spaces, the Arcola team say they will be able to open with minimal risk of spreading the virus.
The venue, which will also include a bar and tier 2 social capacity spaces, is also being constructed in an environmentally friendly way, using reused and recycled materials in its construction. It will also incorporate a green environment and use planters to divide space and enforce social distancing.
The Arcola co-founders (Mehmet Ergen and Leyla Nazli) describe this new venue as an essential way to create theatre in the times of COVID-19, saying “Arcola Outside will enable us to welcome audiences back, and to create new opportunities for freelance artists and workers who are such a vital part of our industry and society.”
Words by Mischa Alexander.
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