As reported by PBOL earlier, China is going to construct a world level theatre -- the Grand National Theatre of China, at the Tian An Men Square, center of Beijing. The preparatory Committee of GNT has recently annoced their world-wide invitation for the new theater's construction design.

Accoding to the spokesman, on Apr. 6 the committee invited designers from more than 15 countries, all of them world-famous and with successful examples of concert hall or theatre house designs. It is said that Swedish architect Jorn Utzon, who designed the Sydney Opera House, is interested in this challenging project.

After three months, all invited participants will submit their plans. A group of experts, composed of celebrated architects, stage designers, and acoustics etc., will select the best bidding. Some experts predict that it mignt take a long time to debate the style of the new theatre building before the final scheme can be decided.

As planned, construction of the Grand National Theatre will start in Spring '99, and will be completed at the end of 2001. Following it, a half year is set for installation of stage facilities, lighting and acoustics, air conditioners, etc.. The whole project is scheduled to be completed in 2002.

--By Wang Ling
China Correpsondent