Astana Classical Theatre of Opera and Ballet

Theatreplan, working with Italian interdisciplinary group Biobyte, set out to create a stage matching the highest international standards for Kazakhstan's new State Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Astana.

Theatreplan’s cutting-edge stage engineering systems at the Copenhagen Opera House provided the inspiration, with a cruciform-plan stage comprising interchangeable wagons and elevators that can move in groups of up to four between the side stages and the central performance area.

Further innovations included a stage revolve, which is stored in the rear stage, a variable size orchestra pit and a ballet floor which can be horizontal or raked. The fly tower has 100 motorized hoists, each integrated into the technical fabric and able to take loadings of 800kg, while the 18 point hoists each have a capacity of 500kg.

The stage also features a complete concert shell, making the state theatre an exceptionally flexible space capable of also hosting a full orchestral performance.