The Helix
| The Helix | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| General information | |
| Type | Theatre |
| Location | Dublin, Ireland |
| Completed | 2002 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Andrzej Wejchert & Danuta Kornaus-Wejchert |
The Helix is a building on the Dublin City University campus between Glasnevin and Whitehall on Dublin's Northside, originally planned to be called the Aula Maxima. It was completed in 2002, and it is described as a "performance space" and holds concerts, university conferring ceremonies and national arts shows. The Helix has three areas for live performances:
- The Mahony Hall (1260 seats),
- The Theatre (450 seats), and
- The Space (150 seats).
Contents |
[edit] About
At a cost of €36.5 million, The Helix is an Arts Centre comprising Concert Hall, Theatre, Studio Theatre, Exhibition Area, Artists in Residence Studios and full support spaces; the building is three storey over basement (undeveloped space). The gross floor area of the building is 11,650m2.
It was designed by architects A & D Wejchert & Partners, with acoustics by Arup Acoustics. The venue prides itself on the range of performing arts that it can stage. The seating layouts in each of the three venues and the ratio of audience to performance can be changed to allow alternative uses.
The Helix has been host to world-class performances ranging from the Russian State Philharmonic Orchestra, The St. Petersburg Ballet, International Theatre and World Singers to hit west End Shows. The Helix has been host to many orchestras from around the world, including opera singers such as Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Lesley Garrett and Bryn Terfel. Rock musicians Van Morrison and Lou Reed have also played the venue.
The Helix has been host to a number of television programmes including “The Dunphy Show” (TV3), the comedy TV show “The Panel” (RTÉ), “Rip Off Republic” (RTÉ) and “You're A Star” (RTÉ). The show Celtic Woman (PBS) was shot there in September 2004. Daniel O'Donnell's "Songs of Faith" was shot there in 2003. "The Des Bishop Work Experience" (2004) was also shot there. It is currently home to the National Chamber Choir of Ireland. The Helix has also hosted RTÉ Radio 1's leading arts programme, “Rattlebag”.
The Helix was awarded the Opus Building of the Year Award in 2003.
It has been recently reported the The Helix is going through massive financial difficulties [1]
[edit] Venues
- The Mahony Hall:
- Orchestral concert hall with rear choir stalls.
The main auditorium, The Mahony Hall, can seat 1,260 over two floors. The Hall is named after Dr Mahony who is a long time supporter of the arts in Ireland.
- The Basement:
- Underneath the Mahony Hall, on the right side of the building from the point of view of Collins Avenue, currently undeveloped.
- The Theatre:
- Proscenium arch theatre.
The Theatre seats 450 (Raked Stalls 277, Orchestra pit 46, balcony 119, disabled positions 4) and is fully equipped with orchestra pit and fly tower.
- The Space:
The Space studio theatre is designed as a totally flexible venue suitable for experimental theatre and contemporary music. The space can seat 150.
- The Gallery
- The Gallery, situated on the top floor of The Helix is a dedicated exhibition and visual art gallery which compliments the three auditoria.
- The Blue Room:
- For Thespian use.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Official link
- Classic Stage Ireland (Based in The Helix)
- Irelandscape Entry
- Labour Party Conference 2006 photographs from flickr.com
- Photographs of The Helix from flickr.com
- Photographs of The Helix from flickr.com (different tag)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
