Rehearsal studios: Antiekzolder, Mokabon, Theaterzaal lobby, Concertzaal lobby and Emielruimte
After the Second World War, the lobbies in the building overlooking the Muinkschelde, were nothing but forgotten storerooms, in a sorry state. Later on, they would prove to be a hidden treasure and this for two reasons: first of all, we found several valuable artefacts here (decapitated statues, flagpoles, the Theaterzaal’s leaded windows, prize cups, etc…) And second, as an Arts Centre, Vooruit could use the extra space to cater to an artist’s need for rehearsal space.
It was in the highest lobby that we found the (broken) leaded windows that had been removed from the Theaterzaal for reasons of fire safety in the 1950s. This is why we named it the Antiekzolder (Antiques Attic). Down one level is a lobby decorated with Greek columns, where the stage technicians used to drink a cup of coffee. Now it goes by the name of Mokabon, after the legendary Ghent coffee factory.
Down another level is the Theaterzaal lobby, which has an impressive balcony. It was here that we received Albert II and Paola, the king and queen of Belgium. It is also used as a rehearsal studio for musicians. Overlooking the Muinkschelde we have the Concertzaal patio and lobby – the perfect chill out area.
There’s a fifth rehearsal studio in the Coop next door. This socialist department store was built in the 50s to revive the Vooruit halls. Unfortunately, it was not successful. The name of this studio, Emielruimte, refers to the play ‘Emiel’ which premiered here. It was the director’s debut of Dirk Roofthooft, one of Flanders’s most revered actors.
