Abstract:
Behind the Curtains is an exploration into the
introverted and indeterminate space as a place
of activity.
The dissertation investigates and compares
the spectacle of the everyday and reality by
means of a theatre stage and a semi-public
courtyard / plaza, which is situated opposite the
State Theatre in Pretoria s CBD. The theatre is
focused on the awareness of reality through the
spectacle of performance while the semi-public
courtyard / plaza can turn the artificiality of
everyday situations into theoretical situations
and bring life to the streets (Brenner 1994:97).
Everyday life is put on display.
The programme forms a new back of house
for the State Theatre with the theatre stage,
rehearsal studios and back of house programmes
intertwined with the activities of the everyday. The project explores whether it is appropriate
to intervene and re-appropriate an introverted
site, characterised by its indeterminate left over
spaces, and whether the re-appropriation of
indeterminate space could reactivate Pretoria s
CBD.
The dissertation seeks to advocate an
alternative approach to removing the existing,
by investigating the possibility of working
within the dynamics of an introverted and
indeterminate left over space. The dissertation
explores finding new possibilities and
opportunities to transform the site into dynamic
social spaces that maintains the uniqueness and
quality of the spaces, without destroying the
space s character and memory
