inTERnaTionaL nETWoRK of aRTiSTiC CiRCULaR VEnUES

pRESS RELaTionS agence plan Bey Dorothe Duplan & Aurlie Baguet +33 1 48 06 52 27 bienvenue@planbey.com 360 ProJecT MANAGer catherine henry +33 3 26 69 50 97 chenry@la-comete.fr
The 360 Network is coordinated by La comte, scne nationale de chlons-en-champagne 5, rue des Fripiers 51 000 chlons-en-champagne

www.theatres360.org
circular venues represent an exceptional architectural and scenographic heritage, although their unique shape often leaves them isolated and unknown. This realization, along with a first series of informal meetings he initiated throughout europe, brought Director of La comte Philippe Bachman and his peers to create a network connecting these venues in an effort to enhance their unique nature, common exchanges and projects: The 360 network. 1 www.theatres360.org

iNTroDUcTioN
CHLonS-En-CHampaGnE / LE CiRQUE / p14 ZaGREB / paViLLon mETRoViC / p16 CopEnHaGEn / STRE GaSVRK TEaTER / p18

LonDon / RoUnDHoUSE / p20

SToCKHoLm / GaSVERKET / p22

maDRiD / TEaTRo CiRCo pRiCE / p24

monTRaL / La ToHU / p26

amiEnS / CiRQUE JULES VERnE / p26

ELBEUf / CiRQUE-THTRE / p27

SnaRT / La CoUpoLE / p27

miLan / piCCoLo TEaTRo STUDio / p28

amSTERDam / WESTERGaSfaBRiEK / p28

There is an unmatched simplicity in the shape of a circle. it has neither beginning nor end, therefore embodying the perfect geometrical figure, the symbol of unity and infinity. since Antiquitys Tholos* to more contemporary shapes, the round has found itself at the centre of numerous speculations and theories, both architectural and urban. Beyond that simplicity, theatrical performance holds a paradoxical and ambiguous link to circularity. once the cradle of dramatic acting, the circle was long deserted before reappearing through the circus, and then questioning avantgardes throughout the 20th century. Driven by the dual observation of the existence of a fantastic, although unrecognized, circular architectural heritage (stable historical circus, industrial reconverted buildings) and of the absence of an artistic repertoire harnessing the amazing scenographic potential of the circular space, the 360 Network intends to reconcile circular architecture and performing arts. initiated by La comte around the chlons-enchampagne circus building, the network combines a range of spaces sharing this round characteristic not unlike the six founding members: La comte; the roundhouse, a former railroad rotunda in London turned emblem of all avantgardes since the 1960s; Teatro circo Price, symbol of renaissance Madrid; the gasometers of copenhagen and stockholm, embodiments of the architectural flamboyance of the industrial revolution and the scandinavian artistic dynamism; and the Metrovi Pavilion, expression of the 1930s utopian architecture in europe. Philippe Bachman, Director of La comte

GVLE / SToRa & LiLLa GaSKLoCKan / p29

www.theatres360.org

www.planbey.com
* Tholos: in the Greek architecture, a monumental circular structure.

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Building in 360: a few words on Architecture

in europe, there are around thirty remarkable buildings which share a common point of being circular with a round and central stage, seating the audience at 360 around it. some of these buildings, rooted in industrial origins (railroad rotundas, gasometers, water tanks), went through deep changes for their rehabilitation. others, already dedicated to performing arts (circus buildings or theatres-inthe-round) simply underwent renovations. For 30 years this heritage has been given great care in order to sublimate its architectural and urban identity and to develop a visible activity, notably through shows, performances, and exhibitions. The 360 Network identified two major families of circular spaces:

BUiLDiNGs oriGiNALLy iNTeNDeD For The ArTs

Circus Buildings The oldest circus buildings are primarily located in France. They were built between 1850 and 1900, most of them based on drawings by Jacques ignace hittorf, the architect of the Thtre du Rond-Point and of the famous Cirque dHiver (1852). six other sites are still in service in France: the Douai Hippodrome, the elbeuf Cirque-Thtre, Amiens Cirque Jules Verne, and the circuses of reims, chlons-en-champagne and Troyes, all three located in the champagne-Ardenne region. The Valenciennes Hippodrome closed down. circus buildings can also be found in northern europe. Although the ring is circular, the building itself may be otherwise, like at the royal circus in Brussels, the royal Theatre carr in Amsterdam, Tower circus in Blackpool and the Great yarmouth hippodrome in england. They all fit the standard of a track with a 13-meter diameter, the minimum requirement for full horse laps. Few circuses are built nowadays; nevertheless the sectors vitality is noticeable in Madrids Teatro circo Price, and in Montreals La Tohu Pavilion.
UniTED KinGDom / RoUnDHoUSE
NoM DU PAys // NoM DU PLATeAU

Dorothe Duplan & Aurlie Baguet / +33 1 48 06 52 27 / bienvenue@planbey.com / www.planbey.com

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Theatres-in-the-Round Theatres-in-the-round originate from experiments developed at the beginning of the 20th century in France by Firmin Gmier and in Germany by Max reinhardt. however, from the 1960s onward their primary development took place in england (old Vic and young Vic in London, stephen Josef Theatre in scarborough, etc.). An original space, covered and renovated in 1986, the studio at the Piccolo Teatro in Milan currently presents stage characteristics that are more similar to its model. one of three venues of La Coupole, Scne nationale of Snart, LArne is located in a Parisian suburb and stands at a crossroads: designed at the end of the 1980s by Jean Nouvel, its plans almost exactly follow those of a traditional circus, although its dimensions bring it closer to a theatre-in-the-round. art pavilions Built in 1938, the Metrovi Art Pavilion in zagreb is one of the rare completely round spaces designed to present visual arts, although it has also showcased several other performances. A testimony of symbolist and utopian architecture, its history is marked by the political upheavals of the country. The French Pavilion, also located in zagreb, is another example of this circular utopia. it is currently under renovation.

DEnmaRK / STRE GaSVRK TEaTER

iNDUsTriAL BUiLDiNGs coNVerTeD For The ArTs

Most of the 360 Networks buildings from the industrial age converted for the arts are part of vaster sites. Although established in the inner suburbs of big cities at the time they were built, they have since been completely swallowed by the urban fabric. Their rehabilitation is often the motivation for strong urban reflections. it is striking to notice how fast many of these buildings were moved from their industrial purpose to the performing arts. Gasometers Particularly common in Northern europe (Denmark, sweden, Germany, etc.), plants of gas production and storage were large, metallic, circular structures, partially buried, surmounted by a mobile lid, which moved up and down according to the quantity of gas stored inside. For safety and/or aesthetic reasons, these structures were surrounded by a stone or brick wall, which was saved from demolition after the plants stopped being exploited, as a witness of the past. Beautiful examples remain in copenhagen (stre Gasvrk Teater), stockholm (Gasverket), Gvle (Gasklockan), Vienna (Gasometers A-D) and Amsterdam (Westergasfabriek).

Railroad sheds These vast stone-built warehouses were used for train car and locomotive repairs around a rotating platform. Like the gasometers, they have also been the object of special preservation measures. The most beautiful example is obviously the roundhouse, the Mecca of performing arts, in Londons camden district. We can also find such rotundas in France, in Mohon in the Ardennes or in chambry. Despite their good condition, they cannot be used for cultural events due to the fact that they are still partially in service. Storage Spaces other buildings, like a former corn exchange (Toulouse), a stock exchange (Manchester), stables (Brighton), mail sorting offices (Munich), and water tanks (Tenerife) were also protected for their unique architectural and urban qualities, and converted into havens for cultural exchange.

Dorothe Duplan & Aurlie Baguet / +33 1 48 06 52 27 / bienvenue@planbey.com / www.planbey.com

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The 360 network

oriGiN oF The NeTWorK
The idea of a network connecting round spaces with an artistic purpose was born in 2005, during robert Lepages visit to the circus of chlons-en-champagne. Philippe Bachman, who had been recently named Director of La comte, scne Nationale, invited the artist, who was inspired by the peculiarity of the stage area as a constraint on creation. he mentioned other such spaces like roundhouse in London or el Tanque in Tenerife. Philippe Bachman then ventured to explore these spaces and meet their directors. he made a primary inventory of round spaces in europe and noticed that these singular spaces were all faced with the same programming challenge: the quasinonexistent artistic repertoire caused by technical constraints linked with their specific architectural characteristics. Nevertheless, the circular space possesses infinite potential, deeply reinventing the relationships between the show and the audience, and stimulating the creators visual and spatial imagination. six directors (Marcus Davey, Pere Pinyol, Peder Bjurman, Pia Jette hansen, Gaella Gottwald and Philippe Bachman) then decided to unite and create a network around artistic development and management of circular spaces presenting performing and visual arts. in october 2011, they signed a charter outlining the working goals of the network.

This project aims not only at reaching mainstream audiences, but also at fostering new perspectives for artists and creators. The beneficial effects of this newly created synergy would also allow the staff of such organizations to exchange their knowledge and savoir-faire.

The AssociATeD MeMBers

other venues have joined the 360 Network. They share the same aspirations and participate to the work efforts:
La Tohu, Montral, cANADA (stphane Lavoie) cirque Jules Verne, Ple National cirque et Arts de la rue, Amiens, FrANce (Jean-Pierre Marcos) Le cirque-Thtre, Ple National des Arts du cirque, elbeuf, FrANce (roger Le roux) scne nationale de snart, La coupole, FrANce (Jean-Michel Puiffe) Piccolo Teatro, Milan, iTALy (sergio escobar) Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam, NeTherLANDs (Mark de Kruijk) Gasklockorna, Gvle, sWeDeN (Mikael Berglund)

The 360 NeTWorK orGANizATioN

The networks activity is centralized and managed by La comte, scne Nationale of chlons-en-champagne. A project manager based at La comte is in charge of the networks coordination. La comtes support of the 360 Network and the cultural actions linked to it is made possible by the support of the French Ministry of culture and communication, the champagne-Ardenne Rgion, the Marne Dpartement, and the Association of cities (Communaut dAgglomrations) cits en champagne. The establishment of these actions on the regional territory is made possible by european funding from the FeDer Program, the regional european Development Fund. The european commissions culture Programme provides grant to a specific program based on international exchange. The members of the network regularly meet for working seminars; they often invite experts to discuss various subjects pertaining to his/her field of action, whether it be staging, sound design, relationship with the audience, or artistic constraint.

The FoUNDiNG MeMBers

The founding members represent six countries: France, the United Kingdom, sweden, Denmark, spain and croatia. The founding members set the calendar, work timelines and decide agendas for meetings. They each act as ambassador to the network. They also choose the artists who will be commissioned by the network.
Philippe Bachman, Le cirque / La comte, scne nationale, chlons-en-champagne, FrANce Peder Bjurman, Gasverket / international stage at Gasverket, stockholm, sWeDeN Marcus Davey, roundhouse, London, UNiTeD KiNGDoM Gaella Gottwald, Pavillon Metrovi / croatian Association of Artists (hDLU), zagreb, croATiA Pia Jette hansen, stre Gasvrk Teater, copenhagen, DeNMArK Pere Pinyol, Teatro circo Price, Madrid, sPAiN

BiBLioGrAPhy The NeTWorKs chArTer

The 360 Networks objective is to communicate actively on the original and exceptional heritage of round artistic venues on a national and international scale. The main goal consists of reconciling the specific characteristics of these spaces and the artistic creation in all disciplines of the performing arts. Main lines of work are: raising awareness for the public and artists of the originality of these spaces stimulating the creation of a repertoire that would be specific to such spaces creating a dialogue on the specificities of working within 360
About roundhouse: roundhouse Guide 1846-2006 Publ. roundhouse Trust 2007 About Pavillon Metrovi : Kreativni krug / creative circle - croatian Association of Artist (zagreb) Publ. hDLU 2011 About Westergasfabriek: Westergasfabriek culture Park, Transformation of a former industrial site in Amsterdam - olof Koekebakker - Nai Publishers - Amsterdam, 2003 Westergasfabriek, het terrein en de gebouwen, en cultuurhistorische verkenning Bureau Monumentenzorg - Amsterdam, 2005 To be published in April 2012: repertory book of round artistic venues / Guide annuaire des lieux artistiques circulaires edition La comte / rseau 360

Dorothe Duplan & Aurlie Baguet / +33 1 48 06 52 27 / bienvenue@planbey.com / www.planbey.com

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The network 2011/2012 calendar

JUNe 27-28, 2011
Seminar in Copenhagen

NoVeMBer 4-6, 2011

Seminar in Zagreb

JANUAry 24-26, 2012

Seminar in London

sPriNG 2012
Seminar in Stockholm

sPriNG 2012
Youth Exchange program London / Chlons-en-Champagne

APriL 18-19, 2012

international Conference in Chlons-en-Champagne Numerous european actors involved in the heritage and value of round venues (directors, architects, artists, politicians, town planners, stage designers, etc.) will come to compare their practice of the circular space. The members of the 360 Network will lead and participate in the discussions. The circular stage, its role in the city, as well as the artistic and stage designing forms that are derived from it, will be included in the topics discussed during the debates presented during this highlight of the networks activity. This conference, open to the public, will conclude with a concert by Bobby McFerrin, with a special staging at 360 for the circus of chlons. Bobby mcferrin at 360 (april 19 at 8:30pm) The song-man agreed to take up the challenge of the circle and will perform one of his unique shows, alone on stage surrounded by the public the only one of this kind in europe. Bobby McFerrin seldom plans in advance what he is going to sing on stage. The majority of his shows are completely improvised, which distinguishes him from other vocalists. his charisma and humour create a unique relationship with the audience, who he invites to sing musical themes in a loop to provide a backdrop to his improvisation. he thus transforms the public into a real choir, giving himself the role of soloist as he shares his energy and his inexhaustible rhythmic and melodic imagination.

SWEDEn / SToCKHoLm GaSomETERS

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Travelling Exhibition A photo exhibition featuring images that best represent the round venues will tour within the six founding countries. it will be the starting point of a series of audience outreach actions, focused on schools in particular, to raise awareness for this architectural and artistic heritage. Directory Book The network will publish an elaborately illustrated 150-page book in French and english, describing the list of 30+ circular spaces located in europe and beyond. The book will feature each spaces history and configuration

MAy 2012
Creation by Robert Lepage Quebecois artist robert Lepage was the first one to accept the networks invitation to take up the challenge of the round with a show of completely circular stage design. in the final version, Playing Cards will consist of four distinct parts to be created successively each year between 2012 and 2015. The structure, themes, subjects and characters of these shows are linked in one way or another to playing cards. each part will represent one of the trumps of a deck of cards; themes such as playing, dependence, manipulation, escape, alliances between opponents, faith in luck or chance, solitaire or divination exercises, and the lure of winning will make up the dramatic components of these stories. The first part takes place in Las Vegas, during the period when iraq was being invaded by the United states in 2003. The parts will be performed by six actorsauthors from Quebec, France, Germany, Great Britain and spain. creation of Playing Cards 1: spring 2012 in Madrid starting in the fall of 2012, the show will be presented in the networks partners venues in snart, Amiens, chlons, and London. creation of Playing Cards 2: Fall 2013 The show will tour throughout most of the networks venues, and in several other european countries. La comte is the executive producer on behalf of the 360 Network for this show. The first two parts are primarily coproduced by the networks members.

Presentation of the funding members

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FRANCE
THE SpaCE
Le cirque 1, rue du cirque 51 000 chlons-enchampagne
PLAyiNG AreA: 13M iN DiAMeTer seATiNG cAPAciTy: 874 seATs ProGrAMMiNG: La ComTE, scNe NATioNALe De chLoNs-eN-chAMPAGNe - 5, rUe Des FriPiers 51 000 chLoNs-eN-chAMPAGNe T: +33 3 26 69 50 80 / WWW.LA-coMeTe.Fr rePreseNTATiVe: PhiLiPPe BAchMAN, DirecTor

BrieF hisTory All over europe in the 19th century, circus buildings were erected in order to present very popular spectacles called circus shows, which included horses, acrobats, clowns and all kinds of wonders. Local architect Louis Gillet was commissioned to design chlons circus building by an organization expressly created for that purpose. Gillet took his inspiration from the circus building of rouen (now destroyed) and used an avant-garde and controversial material for that time: concrete. The circus, which was inaugurated in 1899, ultimately was of little use to itinerant companies who preferred to settle their tent in nearby Grand Jard (city Park); it quickly became a multi-purpose hall, hosting political meetings, boxing games, film screenings, etc. in 1938, the circus society sold the building to the city of chlons, which converted it to a sports training hall. in 1984, it was added to the list on the inventory of historic monuments for its original octagonal plan. in 1985, Jack Lang (Minister of culture under Franois Mitterrand) decided to have the Centre National des Arts du Cirque installed there. it was launched by the French Ministry of culture and was the first national school of circus arts. cUrreNT ProJecT AND ProGrAMMiNG The historical circus of chlons-en-champagne still belongs to the city, which rents it out under long lease to the Centre National des Arts du Cirque (cNAc). in 2009, the circus was closed for two years for renovation (standardization and embellishment) it reopened in May 2011 for the cNAcs 25 years anniversary. it is used as a rehearsal space and a showcase venue for the students work. La comte, Scne Nationale de Chlons-en-Champagne, managed by Philippe Bachman, presents a small part of its programming there: the end of year show of the 23rd promotion of the cNAc in December 2011, Bobby McFerrins concert in April 2012, robert Lepages creation in December 2012. Before the start of 2014, the cNAc will get a new workspace and the historical circus of chlons will be available for larger programming.

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CROATIA
THE SpaCE
Metrovi Pavillon Trg zrtava Fasizma b.b. zagreb T: +385 1 461 18 18 BrieF hisTory This rotunda was designed in 1934 by the great sculptor ivan Metrovi . it was meant to serve not only as the Art Pavilion of zagreb in order to meet the strossmayer Art societys new needs, but also as a commemorative monument for King Peter i the Liberator. The Metrovi Pavillon, which was inaugurated in 1938, features white marble and a glass dome. it is a kind of synthesis of monumentalism and modern asceticism, and is absolutely unique in europe. it presented the program of the house of Visual Arts from 1938 to 1941, a year when major historical events made it into a mosque. Three tall minarets, which lasted only three years, were installed. in 1945, it became the Museum of the revolution, and stayed that way until the end of the 1980s. in 1990, the croatian Association of Artists (hDLU) organized a major exhibition there, Documents / Arguments, which allowed it to come and settle in the circular pavilion. each change of tenants led to important developments (addition of a concrete ceiling, construction of partitions, etc.), but in 2001, a full renovation began and was completed in 2008. cUrreNT ProJecT AND ProGrAMMiNG hDLU, a free association dedicated to the promotion and defence of visual artists and their rights, organizes exhibitions, workshops, conferences and happenings in this magical space, which consists of four galleries of various sizes and a main exhibition hall. it is a place of life and meetings for whoever is interested in the art in croatia. its director, Gaella Gottwald, was born in Montreal to croatian parents. As a painter, an illustrator, and a designer, she always introduced the characteristics of her working places. The Metrovi Pavilion is all the more present in her project as she puts it in the heart of a european dynamics.
ProGrAMMiNG: CRoaTian aSSoCiaTion of aRTiSTS (HDLU) rePreseNTATiVe: GAeLLA GoTTWALD, DirecTor

www.hdlu.hr/eng/

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DENMARK
THE SpaCE
stre Gasvrk Teater Nyborggade 17 2100 copenhagen T: +45 39 27 91 11
PLAyiNG AreA: 350M2 seATiNG cAPAciTy: 815 seATs rePreseNTATiVe: PiA JeTTe hANseN, DirecTor

www.gasvaerket.dk

BrieF hisTory The gasometer of copenhagen was designed by architect Mogens Nyrup and built in 1883 on the outskirts of the city centre. inspired by the classic roman Pantheon, it is a brick cylinder hiding the metal gas tank and covered with a dome of metal and wood. it was dedicated to industrial activities until its abandonment in the 1950s. in the course of the 1970s, the royal Danish Theatre company used it as storage space. Morten Grunwald, director of the Betty Nansen Theater, then decided to take back this beautiful space. With the help of Peter Brook, who was looking for a place to present his Tragdie de Carmen in Denmark in 1983, he built the theatre structure, which still stands to this day. he managed the stre Gasvrk Teater until 1998. he installed a rotating stage there in 1992 and erected in 1997 a new building connected to the gasometer through a tunnel, in order to house the administrative services. cUrreNT ProJecT AND ProGrAMMiNG After its godfather Peter Brook, the theatre presented great musicians (Bob Dylan), choreographers (Merce cunningham), and plays (with the royal shakespeare company). Nowadays, its programming consists mostly of long run musical shows. Actor and director Pia Jette hansen, who often carries out european projects, became head of the stre Gasvrk Teater in 2010. it hosts over 160 performances per year.

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UNITED KINGDOM
THE SpaCE
roundhouse chalk Farm road London NW1 8eh www.roundhouse.org
PLAyiNG AreA: FLexiBLe seATiNG cAPAciTy: UP To 1400 seATs rePreseNTATiVe: MArcUs DAVey, ArTisTic AND execUTiVe DirecTor

T: +44 20 7424 9991 BrieF hisTory Made of brick, iron and wood, this train station rotunda was designed by engineer robert Dockray for railroad company London and Birmingham railway in 1846; after about twenty years of activity it became a wine and liquor storage space. it then became a cultural venue at the turn of 1960s, when it was occupied by a revolutionary movement of popular culture led by Arnold Wesker, the center 42 and the support of the Labour Party, which was in office at the time, raising funds. renovated by French architect ren Allio, the roundhouse opened its doors in 1966 with a memorable evening featuring the underground artistic scene of the time (Pink Floyd, Michelangelo Antonioni and Monica Vitti, Marianne Faithfull, to name a few). it thus became the major venue presenting counterculture, alternating concerts and psychedelic happenings, punks and underground. regarding theatre, the roundhouse was the place where Peter Brook created The Tempest before he moved to France to continue his work; the science Fiction Theatre of Liverpool invented its four-hour saga Illuminatus!; the Living Theatre moved in as a company in residency (camping would be a better description!) and Kenneth Tynan created Oh! Calcutta!, the first musical in which male and female actors appeared completely naked. Jean-Louis Barrault presented Rabelais, Ariane Mnouchkine 1789, and the royal shakespeare company started to regularly perform its productions. While intensely creative, the great financial instability of the roundhouse led to its closing in 1982. it was bought back by the town of camden, which failed to launch new projects, leaving the roundhouse dormant for nearly two decades.

cUrreNT ProJecT AND ProGrAMMiNG in 1996, brilliant entrepreneur Torquil Norman, keen on aeronautics and a culture lover, became infatuated with this place where he spent so many nights in the 1970s and decided to purchase it. he invested his own money into the vast project where education, arts and new technologies meet. set around a large flexible performance space, the new roundhouse owns recording studios, costume workshops, as well as performing arts technique workshops dedicated to young people looking to reroute their career. Marcus Davey, the current director, joined him in 2001 and participated greatly in the elaboration and implementation of this new project. The demolition / reconstruction led by architect John McAslan began in 2003 and ended in 2007.

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SWEDEN
THE SpaCE
Gasometers of hjorthagen (hjorthagen neighbourhood) Gasverksvagen 1 115 42 stockholm www.gasverk.com
BUiLDiNG iN The Process oF rehABiLiTATioN To Be hosTiNG PerForMiNG ArTs. ProGrAMMiNG: iNTerNATioNAL sTAGe AT GAsVerKeT rePreseNTATiVe: PeDer BJUrMAN, DirecTor oF iNTerNATioNAL AFFAirs

BrieF hisTory The gasometers of hjorthagen were built in 1893 based on the drawings of one of the most important swedish architects, Ferdinand Boberg. They were one of the centrepieces of the swedish power industry during the industrial revolution. The buildings got listed on the inventory of historic monuments in 1972, although active until 2008. cUrreNT ProJecT AND ProGrAMMiNG cullberg Ballet, the royal swedish opera, cirkus cirkr, and several other performing arts companies and institutions collectively baptized international stage at Gasverket in order lead the rehabilitation of the gasometers site, made it an innovative and federative cultural pole. it was envisioned as a place where the biggest international companies could come and perform, which so far has not been possible in stockholm. Whether it is in dance, theatre or circus, the gasometers site offers an unimaginable opportunity to supply an international window for performing arts within the city. international stage at Gasverket hired several architecture firms to work on this artistic and urban project aimed at revitalizing a whole district. The studies are currently in progress.

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SPAIN
THE SpaCE
Teatro circo Price ronda de Atocha, 35 28012 Madrid T: +34 91 527 98 65
PLAyiNG AreA: DiAMeTer oF 19 MeTers seATiNG cAPAciTy: 2300 seATs rePreseNTATiVe: Pere PiNyoL, DirecTor

www.teatrocircoprice.es

BrieF hisTory The circo de Price is a Madrid legend. Arriving from the British islands to display his horse shows, Thomas Price had the first circus built in 1868 by architect Pedro Vidal, then a second one in 1880 by architect Agustn ortiz de Villajos on the Plaza del rey, which became one of the most popular entertainment spots for the natives of Madrid in the 1920s and 1930s. in the 19th century in Madrid, one could count about 10 circuses where people would come and watch dance, boxing, wrestling, listen to music, and of course, see circus shows. in 1970, the building was deserted, then sold, and eventually destroyed. over the years, the memory of the circo became more resonant, and the Ministry of culture and city of Madrid nurtured the idea of building a new one, at the same time giving a new life to a former industrial district which had been rather derelict.

cUrreNT ProJecT AND ProGrAMMiNG The city of Madrid acquired the grounds of ronda de Atocha and appointed architect Mariano Bayon to build what became Teatro circo Price, officially inaugurated in March 2007. its remarkable facade is made of metallic glass tiles. it constitutes the only case of a circus recently built in Western europe, hidden behind the protected facade of a former factory. The cylindrical building houses a circular room which can seat up to 2300 spectators for circus shows, of course, as well as concerts and events in any discipline: it is the main venue for popular culture in Madrid. in 2008, Madrids Delegation of the Arts named Pere Pinyol - actor, director and company manager - the head of Teatro circo Price.

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Associated members
cANADA LA TohU
2345, rue Jarry est Montral (Qubec) h1z 4P3 T: +1 514 374 3522
seATiNG cAPAciTy: 840 seATs DirecTor: sTPhANe LAVoie

FrANce cirQUe-ThTre
www.tohu.ca 2, rue henry 76 550 elbeuf T: +33 2 32 13 10 49
seATiNG cAPAciTy: 900 seATs DirecTor: roGer Le roUx

www.cirquetheatre-elbeuf.com

La Tohu is home to Cit des Arts du Cirque, as well as Cirque du Soleil and Ecole Nationale du Cirque, within the vast city planning project, the saint-Michel environmental complex (named after district saint Michel, one of North Americas largest landfills located in a urban zone). in 2004, architects Jacques Plante and Jodoin Lamarre Pratte & Associs built the Pavillon des Arts: a variable-geometry circular theatre with a strong environmental mission.

Built in 1892 by architect Laquerrire, and renewed in 2003 by architecture firm Archidev, the circus of elbeuf was listed on the national register of historic monuments in 1998 for its facade, its roof and the stage frame. since 2007, it has been presenting programming focused on physical prowess and circus arts. in 2011, it received the label Ple National des Arts du Cirque.

FrANce cirQUe JULes VerNe

Place Longueville 80 000 Amiens T: +33 3 22 35 40 44
seATiNG cAPAciTy: 1700 seATs DirecTor: JeAN-Pierre MArcos

FrANce LA coUPoLe
rue Jean-Franois Millet 77 380 combs-la-Ville T: +33 1 60 34 53 60
seATiNG cAPAciTy: LArNe - 620 seATs DirecTor: JeAN-MicheL PUiFFe

www.scenenationale-senart.com

www.cirquejulesverne.com

The circus of Amiens (designed by emile riquier, a disciple of Gustave eiffel) was inaugurated in 1889 by Jules Verne, then a local councillor. it showcased the most prestigious circus families. it was listed on the inventory of historic monuments in 1975 for its facade and roof. rehabilitated in 2002 (with colour restoration by Austrian artist ernst caramelle), it was labelled Ple National Cirque et Arts de la Rue and presents complete cultural seasons of circus arts.

La coupole was designed by Jean Nouvel, and inaugurated by Danielle Mitterrand (the wife of Franois) in 1989. it features several elements dedicated to culture and performing arts: a media library, a music conservatory, plastic arts and, of course, a cultural programming of live shows and cinema LArne, the symbolic centre of the building, hosts multidisciplinary contemporary live shows, in which theatre, circus and music mix. in 1991, the label Scne nationale de Snart was awarded by the French Ministry of culture to the venue.

Dorothe Duplan & Aurlie Baguet / +33 1 48 06 52 27 / bienvenue@planbey.com / www.planbey.com

www.theatres360.org

27

iTALie PiccoLo TeATro

Via rivoli 6 20121 Milano T: +39 02 72333400
seATiNG cAPAciTy: sTUDio - 438 seATs DirecTor: serGio escoBAr

www.piccoloteatro.org

When it opened in 1859, this theatre-in-the-round designed by Ferno zuccari, and then called Teatro Fossati after its financier, was open-air and inspired by elizabethan theatres. it was renovated in 1986 and added as studio to the already existent Piccolo Teatro, thus becoming italys largest public theatre. A part of the Piccolo Teatros performing arts programming is presented there, mostly experimental theatre and music.

sUDe sTorA & LiLLA GAsKLocKAN

Atlasgatan 3 Gvle 802 86 T: +46 70 167 55 26
seATiNG cAPAciTy sTorA: 500 seATs seATiNG cAPAciTy LiLLA: 250 seATs ProJecT MANAGer: MiKAeL BerGLUND

www.gasklockornagavle.se

PAys-BAs WesTerGAsFABrieK
Pazzanistraat 41, 1014 DB Amsterdam T: +31 586 0710
seATiNG cAPAciTy: Te GAshoUDer - MoDULAr sPAce DirecTor: MArK De KrUiJK

www.westergasfabriek.nl

This small industrial site transformed into a cultural centre consists of a small gasometer designed by Ferdinand Boberg (the architect of stockholms gasometers) in 1893, and a larger one built in 1898 by John eklund, both in brick. An industrial wasteland for a while, it was taken over by the city in 2009 in order to develop cultural exchange and programming (rock and theatre festivals).

This gasometer was built in 1883 as part of a large industrial complex reserved to the production and storage of gas, and used as such until the end of the 1980s. Later transformed for cultural purposes, it became so important that a large rehabilitation project was launched in 1996 on the entire grounds, buildings and spaces, thus creating a unique cultural complex. The Westergasfabriek opened in 2003 and presents exhibitions, shows, performances, concerts, and collaborations with the holland Festival within Gashouder, a space that is infinitely transformable.

Dorothe Duplan & Aurlie Baguet / +33 1 48 06 52 27 / bienvenue@planbey.com / www.planbey.com

www.theatres360.org

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CHLonS-En-CHampaGnE / LE CiRQUE / p14

ZaGREB / paViLLon mETRoViC / p16

CopEnHaGEn / STRE GaSVRK TEaTER / p18

LonDon / RoUnDHoUSE / p20

SToCKHoLm / GaSVERKET / p22

maDRiD / TEaTRo CiRCo pRiCE / p24

pRESS RELaTionS agence plan Bey Dorothe Duplan & Aurlie Baguet +33 1 48 06 52 27 bienvenue@planbey.com
monTRaL / La ToHU / p26 amiEnS / CiRQUE JULES VERnE / p26 ELBEUf / CiRQUE-THTRE / p27

360 ProJecT MANAGer catherine henry +33 3 26 69 50 97 chenry@la-comete.fr

The 360 Network is coordinated by La comte, scne nationale de chlons-en-champagne 5, rue des Fripiers 51 000 chlons-en-champagne Graphic design www.lesrasqas.com

SnaRT / La CoUpoLE / p27

miLan / piCCoLo TEaTRo STUDio / p28

amSTERDam / WESTERGaSfaBRiEK / p28

GVLE / SToRa & LiLLa GaSKLoCKan / p29

www.theatres360.org

www.planbey.com

pRESS RELaTionS agence plan Bey Dorothe Duplan & Aurlie Baguet +33 1 48 06 52 27 bienvenue@planbey.com 360 ProJecT MANAGer catherine henry +33 3.26.69.50.97 chenry@la-comete.fr
The 360 Network is coordinated by La comte, scne nationale de chlons-en-champagne 5, rue des Fripiers 51 000 chlons-en-champagne Graphic design www.lesrasqas.com