István Simon said the city council promised years ago it would spend HUF 800 million to renovate the theatre, but that amount was cut to HUF 500 million, then to HUF 290 million. But even this sum does not appear to be available now, the director complained.
Deputy Mayor of Pécs Márta Kunszt said at the theatre's first meeting of the season that it was the only indoor venue in Pécs that could host events planned for the city's 2010 European Capital of Culture programme. If the renovation starts now, the theatre could be fully or at least partly functional in 2010.
The 114-year-old building was refurbished between 1986 and 1991, but it now has a leaky roof, the balconies have had to be reinforced, and the stage and sound equipment are so outdated they cannot meet the demands of foreign productions that will come to the city in 2010.
In spite of the condition of its home, the Pécs National Theatre still enjoys a high profile among Hungary's best theatres. The theatre will bring seven premieres to its main stage in the 2009/2010 season.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI) / Photo: Dániel Kováts
