The National Grand Theater, which looks like an eggshell, will
partially open to the Beijing public today.
They will be allowed to stroll around the building and even
touch the titanium and glass surface.
However, they will not be allowed inside the 6,000-seat theater
as interior work is still going on.
The theater's design harmonizes with its surroundings. A 200-m
greenbelt lies to its north-eastern side.
Most trees are of the same species as those along Chang'an
Avenue, where the theater is situated, and nearby Tian'anmen
Rostrum and the Forbidden City.
Water is a must in traditional Chinese gardens, and it is also
incorporated in the theater's design.
The building rises from a 35,500-sq m shimmering artificial
lake. The reflection of the theater in the lake, looks like an
egg.
It consists of an opera house, a concert hall and a drama
theater.
It will host its first official performance at the end of
September, said Wang Zhengming, vice-president of the theater.
Wang yesterday also announced the theater's three general art
supervisors and 18 members of the art committee.
The committee will work as a consultation body, while the
selection of performances will be the task of the supervisors.
Xu Xiaozhong, former president of the Central Academy of Drama
and one of the three supervisors, said they would not only stage
Chinese and international classics, but also innovative works by
young artists.
(China Daily June 15, 2007)
