The Helena Majdaniec Summer Theater is undergoing major changes. A competition has selected a design for the reconstruction. It will be prepared by the Flanagan Lawrence architectural office from London. Although its most spectacular element, the monumental arch, will remain from the original concept by Zbigniew Abrahamowicz, the expansion will completely change the expression of the building.
The H. Majdaniec Summer Theater, is located in the southwestern part of Kasprowicz Park. It is the largest facility of its kind in Szczecin and one of the largest in Poland. It can accommodate 4,500 spectators in seats. Large concerts with celebrities, celebrations and local events are held there.
stage in Quistorp Park
The first stage in today's Kasprowicz Park, then Quistorp Park, appeared in the 1930s. It was a wooden structure with several rows of benches located on Lake Westendsee (after 1945 - Rusalka). It was a popular place of recreation for Szczecin residents. The premise was designed so that the rest of the audience could occupy seats on the slope of today's Niemierzyńska Valley, which slopes down toward the stage.
a community effort
After the war, Kasprowicz Park was increasingly used as a venue for cultural and entertainment events. In the 1960s, the Young Talent Festival was organized there. Due to the increasing demand for a large stage at this location, the Society of Friends of Szczecin established the Social Committee for the Construction of the Park of Culture and Leisure in Szczecin. Its goal was to organize and build an amphitheater that would meet the expectations of Szczecinians. The project was entrusted to Zbigniew Abrahamowicz. He proposed an object that would fit in with the landscape and at the same time fulfill all the desired functions. A reinforced concrete arch floats above the trees, under which the canopy over the stage and auditorium is stretched. The financial difficulties and technical complexity of the building meant that the canopy was added later, and was systematically enlarged.
The Summer Theater in Szczecin before renovation
© shoshannach
expansion
In 2000, the theater got a new roof and a major renovation of the auditorium, as well as a partial renovation of the undercroft rooms. In 2015, an architectural competition for the reconstruction of the building was announced and decided. The winner of the competition was the Flanagan Lawrence architectural firm from London. Their proposed structure fills the Abramovich Arch. It has been restored and painted which covers up the natural color and texture of the concrete - so important to the expression of the whole. One wonders what prompted the city to say goodbye to one of the undoubtedly more interesting examples of post-war architecture in Szczecin. The building is not included in the records, let alone the register of monuments. It is also not under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Conservator of Monuments. Being an object in the park, it is the responsibility of Zakład Usług Komunalnych in Szczecin.
Visualization of the theater's reconstruction, designed by Flanagan Lawrence
© UM Szczecin press materials
An unwanted legacy?
Zbigniew Abrahamowicz is undoubtedly an important figure for the architecture of Szczecin. He is the author of numerous churches, cultural, educational and healthcare facilities, as well as catering establishments or small architecture. From the latter category, it is worth mentioning the mosaic fountain known as the "wall of weeping." It was demolished in 2001 and replaced by a fountain in the form of a jug of pouring water. A small amphitheater in Zydowce was also recently restored. Despite the minor changes that have been made, the building has lost its original austere character. The addition of railings, the removal of the thick concrete frame around the screen, and the use of concrete cubes to finish the amphitheater have completely changed its original expression. In the case of post-war architecture in the modernist or brutalist trend, the preservation of details is important. It operates primarily with solids, their proportions and mutual relations as well as color and material texture. In this case, even small changes, can lead to the loss of the original aesthetic effect.
The amphitheater in Zydowce under renovation
© szczecin_prawobrzeze
