After four years and more than fifteen million dollars invested, the National Theater of Panama was reinaugurated on October 1st by Panama’s President, Laurentino Cortizo.
“This is an important ceremony because 111 years ago, on October 1, 1908, the theater’s doors opened for the first time. It is one of Panama’s most emblematic architectural works, built between 1905 and 1908,” Cortizo explained during the opening ceremony.
The theater has capacity to accommodate 853 people, distributed in amphitheater, stalls, two floors of balconies, pit for the orchestra and a gallery.
Panama’s Minister of Culture, Carlos Aguilar, said that “all renovated infrastructure belonging to Panama’s cultural and national heritage will be well maintained and protected to safeguard what gives us identity and self-esteem.” Aguilar invited citizens to visit the theater and to take advantage of the available tours to learn more about its history.
National Theater of Panama Upcoming Events
October 2019
October 17 – Traditional Folkloric Gala
October 18 – Ricardo Miró Awards
October 23 & 24 – Contemporary Dance Performance “Refistuleros”
November 2019
November 5 to 17 – Musical “1903”
November 21 – Roberto Lewis Awards
November 27 – Roque Cordero Awards
November 31 & December 1 – Performance “Panama de Mil Colores”
December 2019
December 12 – Horacio Valdés Concert
December 19 to 22 – Christmas Show
December 27 & 28 – El Quijote – Panama Ballet Festival
National Theater of Panama Renovation
The renovation, which was initially estimated to cost 11 million dollars, was divided into two areas: the restoration of Roberto Lewis‘s works, considered priceless, and the building’s structure, including the ceilings, stage and outdoor terraces.
In addition to Roberto Lewis’s work, the works of decorator Enrico Conrado and Italian architect Genaro Ruggieri were renovated as well.