At 160ft in diameter and 26ft deep, the theatre features the world's largest commercial pool, holding 3.7m gallons of water. Eight 10-ton hydraulic elevators allow the conversion of the 65ft diameter centre performance area from water to a solid floor, and high-speed overhead winches move performers and scenery through space in a 3-D visual ballet.
Theatre Projects played a central role in creating an intimate audience experience through a sweeping 270-degree design plan that allows the audience an up-close and personal perspective of the performance. Entering from above, the rows descend toward the pool, with the first row situated at water level. With this circus-based theatre-in-the-round style, Theatre Projects was able to use geometry to create that sense of intimacy on a heroic scale.
"Our mission to enhance and inspire the connection between audience and performer in all of our projects throughout the world has now found its way to the magical waters of The House of Dancing Water," said Jules Lauve, project director for Theatre Projects.
The creation of the spectacular underwater theatre was a true collaboration between Theatre Projects, Franco Dragone Entertainment Group, (the award-winning producer of world-renowned productions combining water acrobats with dance and music), production designer Michele Crete (known for a broad range of theatrical circus-based designs), and Pei Partnership Architects.
(Jim Evans)
