Renovation of Csokonai National Theatre in Debrecen

Architects: Péter Kovács, András Tisza
Interior designers: Rózsa Csavarga, Bence Török Szabolcs
Text: Eszter Götz
Photos: Tamás Bujnovszky

Debrecen had a permanent theatre company as early as the end of the 18th century, but for a long time it entertained the public in the chariot theatre of an inn. The imposing theatre building, designed by Antal Szkalnitzky in the Romantic style with Moorish and Byzantine components, was opened in 1856 and has remained the pride of the city and one of its most important historical monuments ever since. However, space in the magnificent building was limited, the number of theatre-goers in Debrecen grew rapidly, and more room was needed for the production and storage of sets, props and costumes. After several renovations, the good condition of the exterior, the theatre was still hampered by outdated technology and inadequate auditorium space up until the late 2010s. The current renovation project was therefore justified by a number of factors. Seating capacity needed to be increased, the orchestra pit had to be enlarged, the lighting system needed upgrading and there was a need for more dressing room capacity, not to mention the need for easy accessibility. The architectural design was divided into two parts along the iron curtain of the stage: Péter Kovács was responsible for the transformation of the spaces accessible to the public, and András Tisza for the theatre’s operations. Rózsa Csavarga and Bence Török Szabolcs managed the interior design of both parts. The reconstruction not only renewed Debrecen’s theatre but also prepared it for the challenges of 21st-century theatre and also has found a new, direct link with the city whilst making little changes to the building’s outward appearance. This design approach is an exemplary way of revising all the issues raised by the contemporary use of a listed theatre building as such.

General architecture: Péter Kovács DLA, András Tisza
Leading fellow architect: Benjámin Trippó
Fellow architects: Ádám Barta, Richárd Nagy, Ágnes Szűcs, Mariann Varga, Krisztián Wágner, Miklós Gyöngyösi, Anett Balogh, Beáta Diós, Benjámin Hawrlant, Bianka Kocsmár, József Nagy, Renáta Pavalacs, Eszter Szilágyi, Mihály Szilágyi, Sándor Tar, Anita Tóth
Elevation, stone panelling: Lajos Barabás, fellows: László Tarcsi, Róbert Czirják, Nikolett Jenei, Stella Kelemen
Interiors: Rózsa Csavarga, Bence Török Szabolcs DLA
Leading felllow interior designer: Nikolett Khaut
Fellow interior designers: Norbert Szőcs, Rita Simon, Károly Tószegi, Gergő Tóth, Filip Dénes
Structure: Ottó Janik
Electrical engineering: Ferenc Rajkai, Márton Bozsódi, Károly Borsányi, Gábor Szemán
Lighting: János Farkas
Framework: Balázs Higi
Glass portals: György Stocker
Fire protection: Miklós Lázár
Outdoor public utilities: Béla Bodó, Károly Rásó
Environment acoustics: Gusztáv Józsa
Inner acoustics: Attila Balázs Nagy
Electro acoustics: Géza Balogh
Stage lighting: Attila Jerzsa
Stage technology: Zsuzsanna Tompai
Monument preservation: Csaba Gajdos
Restoration experts: Zoltán Hering, János Maszelka
Rehabilitation: Zsolt Sipos
Environment: Tamás Sándor
Main contractor: HUNÉP