How’s this for an utterly predictable storyline: Construction of a new building to replace the now-closed Erkel Theater on Köztársaság tér in Budapest’s District VIII is being delayed – and may be halted indefinitely – due to obstructionism on the part of the local government. According to mr1-kossuth.hu, municipal officials say they don’t like the plans, which call for a building larger than the 1952 original, and would cut into some of the not-very-green greenery on the square. Meanwhile, not all of them even agree a new building is necessary, instead arguing that the original structure should be restored to its gulag-era glory.
Most operatically, the chorus of local complaints includes suggestions that the whole thing be put off until the Köztársaság tér stop of the new Metro 4 subway line is completed, so that it can be more clearly seen how the square as a whole should be developed.
State Opera House Director Attila Szabó said he thinks there are political motives behind the case, and that he is worried that, without the new building planned for Köztársaság tér, there will be nowhere to stage operas in Budapest when the more historic building on Andrássy út is renovated. That project is planned to be started in 2013. Good luck with that.