Øster Gasværk Teater
 The circular masonry of the old gasworks dating from 1883 | |
| Address |
Østerbro Copenhagen Denmark |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 812 (seated) |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1979 |
| Architect | Martin Nyrop |
| Website | |
| www.Gasvaerket.dk | |
Østre Gasværk Teater (lit. "East Gasworks Theatre") is a theatre in the Østerbro district of Copenhagen, Denmark, located in an abandoned gasometer of the former Østre Gasværk (English: Eastern Gasworks). The theatre is constructed within the masonry shell that used to house the gas holder proper. Built in 1883, it was designed by Martin Nyrop, also known for the design of the Copenhagen City Hall.
History
The gasworks of Østre Gasværk was opened in 1878 as the city's second gasworks, when the first Vestre Gasværk, a facility located at the site of the current Meatpacking District, no longer could satisfy the rapidly growing demand for gas. The gasometer now housing Østre Gasværk Teater was constructed in 1881-83 as the first of a series of expansions that four-doubled the capacity of the plant in the time up to the turn of the century.[1] In 1970 it was shut down and was for a while used as a storage for decorations for the Royal Theatre, while awaiting demolition.
From 1979, the building started a second life as a venue for various plays and performances. The first big own production was William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream directed by Peter Langdal in 1986. From 1992-98 the theatre had big success with musicals, including Les Misérables, Miss Saigon and Atlantis.
It has a rotating stage making scene shifts seamless and easy.
References
- ↑ "Gasværket". AOK. Retrieved 2010-01-04.
Coordinates: 55°42′36.3″N 12°34′54.5″E / 55.710083°N 12.581806°E