Maidment Theatre re-opens ahead of schedule

Media Release
The University of Auckland
8 July 2013

Maidment Theatre re-opens ahead of schedule

The Maidment Theatre officially re-opens Thursday 11 July, three months ahead of schedule after a fire in April closed the theatre’s doors for extensive refurbishment. 

The fire was a first in the 37 year history of the Maidment’s service to Auckland’s theatre community, caused by a stage curtain alighting from a theatre light.  Considering the extent of works, and expected timeframe of up to six months for completion, Margo Athy, Programming and Business Manager at the Maidment Theatre, says the project was completed well ahead of time, with the opening much earlier than anticipated.

“The University was very supportive and quick to respond to the crisis which allowed us to focus on our clients and the rebuild. We worked closely with clients to support alternative arrangements for displaced shows, rescheduling some to later in the year and continuing to ticket events that had found alternative venues,” says Margo.

After thorough professional assessment, refurbishment of the theatre began immediately.  Alongside severe stage damage, virtually every surface of the interior of the building was impacted by smoke damage. 

“Sections of the stage needed to be rebuilt as holes had been caused by falling, burning debris.  Large acoustic panels that hang near the front of the stage were all replaced, sections of the slated ceiling refitted, and surrounding walls stripped and repainted.  All curtains and suspension ropes were replaced and all technical equipment taken off-site to be assessed, and either replaced or decontaminated. 

The art works housed at the theatre, which included a Don Binney painting located in the main foyer, were assessed and cleaned by an art conservator.  The Binney has been in the care of the Gus Fisher Gallery, and will be returning to its former position for the re-opening.

“We are impressed, not only with how quickly the repairs have been done, but also with the quality of the work. Given the specialized nature of the stage area and equipment, this was a top priority.

“Our clients have been very supportive; some waiting to see what would happen and others having to find alternative venues, so we were very pleased for them to hear the theatre’s doors would be opening earlier than anticipated,” says Margo.

The Maidment’s first performance is the Auckland Theatre Company’s The Heretic on July 18, followed by The Winter Lectures, the University’s flagship public lecture series starting July 23. The Musgrove Studio which adjoins the Maidment Theatre reopened earlier on June 23. Stephen Sinclair’s new show ‘Intimacies’ is now on in the Studio and runs until 27 July.

The re-opening celebration on Thursday July 11 includes a short scene from The Heretic performed by Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Stelios Yiakmis.

The Maidment Theatre hosts a diverse programme of local, national and international events ranging from intimate presentations to epic productions.

ENDS

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