This mobile bamboo theatre was designed by Studio Akkerhuis in 2017 for the opera performance “Gestrand Verlangen” by Stichting Kunstklank. Stichting Kunstklank has been organising performances in which professional and non-professional artists work together for 18 years.
Until now, a new, non-reusable open-air stage and stand were built every year at various locations in Noordwijk. By order of Kunstklank invented Studio Akkerhuis a unique indoor theatre that focuses on the sustainability of its structure, design and use.
The design resembles a combination of a small amphitheatre and a Bedouin tent, reminiscent of a 19th century travelling circus.
On our advice, 4 different types of bamboo with different diameters were chosen for the construction of the tent structure and stands. This resulted in a total of 5800 bamboo poles, all of which were manually put together with bolts or rope.
The theatre can be built and dismantled by its own people and volunteers, making it completely reusable. The theatre is also flexible, as the configuration of the stands can be adapted to different performances and locations.
Only the earthworks and foundations, the canvas and the central crown with metal connections were carried out by professionals. All other work was carried out by a team of 50 volunteers over a total period of 3 months. At the end of the season, the bamboo theatre is dismantled and put away until the following year. All bamboo elements are made in such a way that they do not exceed 5.8 m in length and therefore fit easily into small sea containers.
For the foundation, 32 concrete base plates of 760 kg each were used. This was to ensure that the bamboo structure would remain in place even at wind forces up to 8 Beaufort.
With a diameter of 20m, a height of 7m, and a maximum seating capacity of 250 people, the theatre remains a relatively intimate space where the audience is never more than 10m away from the action. The use of bamboo creates a warm atmosphere and the canvas ensures that the spectators, the costumes and the technology are protected from different weather conditions.
This bamboo theatre provides a special experience in which performance, architecture and landscape are inextricably linked. The natural setting with its surrounding view of the beach and sea, and the setting sun as a theatre light, forms an integral part of a musical-theatrical total experience with soloists, choir, orchestra and dance.
This year, the opera performance will take place on Noordwijk’s Noorderstrand; in the coming years, it will pop up in the dunes, the woods or the bulb fields.
