LOCAL

One of Moscow and Russia’s most famous buildings, Bolshoi theatre, will open on October 17 after lengthy reconstruction, Moscow deputy Mayor Vladimir Resin has promised.

And further delays will not be tolerated in what has become a question of civic and national pride, far more than just a building project.

Opening the Bolshoi is a ‘matter of honor’

“The Bolshoi Theater is a symbol, not just for Moscow, but for the whole of Russia,” Resin told Rossiiskaya Gazeta.

“Therefore, for the builders, of whom there are currently 3200, it is a matter of honor to keep their word and finish construction on time and without any setbacks.”

The restored theater will have a new backstage, extra foyers and cafeterias, and underground premises that will also accommodate spacious storage for stage decorations. The reconstruction work is expected to provide extra space of 50,000 square meters.

Delays and scandals

Moscow authorities started the reconstruction of the nearly 200 year-old theater in 2005.

Initially due for completion in 2008, the project has been marred with repeated schedule delays and a misspending scandal.

Russian prosecutors opened a probe in 2009 into the suspected embezzlement of millions of dollars during the renovation.

The last act

The world-famous ballet and opera companies have been exiled to the neighboring New Stage, a smaller venue which has cramped much of the company’s style.

But for more than a year there have been small-scale performances in the original building.

Since early 2010, the theater has been running performances in the Choral, Round and Beethoven halls, where reconstruction work has already been completed. Reconstruction work on the main foyer, the façade and the square in front of the theater is also complete.

Meanwhile, Bolshoi is keeping their New Stage busy with a new production of The Golden Cockerel, the last opera written by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

The Bolshoi is not the only long-awaited attraction to re-open this year. Last week Muscovites were treated to the long-promised planetarium opening after a 17-year reconstruction.