The theatre of contrasts – DDN Issue 287
New and old, light and dark, stone and metals: Theatre Next Door is a project full of contrasts, capable of making a monumental space a cultural space. The theater designed by DAAA Haus is located in Maghtab, on the island of Malta.
It is curious how an old pig farm can be transformed into a theatre while respecting the original structures by juxtaposing the limestone parts with new concrete and metal parts. The four-level Theatre Next Door welcomes visitors on the ground fl oor with a bright foyer featuring a large block of natural hard stone from Maghtab, the village where the theatre is located. A wooden insert cutting through the stone forms the reception desk, the heart of the foyer. From here one reaches the cafeteria and recreation area, where limestone openings have been highlighted with rough Corten steel sheet. These areas are adorned with original theatrical artwork, memorabilia, and a Flos chandelier. At the back of the ground floor is the first of the three multipurpose studios of this performance envelope (the other two are on the second and third floors). The first floor houses one of the bright administrative offices and a corridor leading to the high-tech black box theatre, which, like all of the theatres of this kind, is characterized by a simple space, a black box that allows the actors, costumes, and lights to stand out. Theatre Next Door alternates dark and bright environments, where one can recognize the typical Mediterranean light, enhanced by the use of materials such as stone and wood or channeled through perforated skylights as in thecase of the interior landings. The different levels are connected at the back by a large white metal spiral staircase that, like other areas of the theatre, highlights the material contrast with the limestone façade.
