SACs Full Renovation Cancels Shows in 2008
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter
The Seoul Arts Center (SAC) has finally decided to go through with a 10-month full renovation of its Opera Theater, which was damaged due to a fire earlier this month. The center will start constructions in January and reopen the theater in November.
The fire broke out on Dec. 12 on stage during a performance of the opera ``La Boheme.'' The fire damaged the steel-frame structures and lighting and stage equipment on the catwalk area. Machinery, which was kept under the stage, was flooded in the process of extinguishing the fire. The cause of fire is still under investigation.
The center had been considering a partial restoration, which was expected to take up to three months and cost 5 billion won. But having come to the conclusion that partial renovation was insufficient, the SAC instead chose to go with a complete renovation.
``We considered the extent of the damage, safety of the theater and public opinion and came to a decision to completely refurbish the theater,'' president of SAC Shin Hyun-taek, said at a press conference. ``This renovation brings forward the date for complete renovation of the Opera House, which was initially planned for 2010,'' Shin added.
Along with the renovation, SAC will strengthen safety measures by hiring more fire experts and reinforcing fireproof test for props.
The estimated cost of the near yearlong renovation is about 18 billion won. According to Shin, the center will raise money for renovation through insurance, next year's budget, donations and in the worst case, a loan.
The amount of damage estimated by the center is approximately 13.6 billion won. This only includes the physical damage of the theater, not the losses from the cancelled performances.
Nineteen performances by nine agencies will be cancelled because of the renewal, including the ``Brachetti Show,'' the musical ``We Will Rock You'' and opera ``Parsifal.''