Opening of Ghanas National Theatre delayed.

The reopening of the National Theatre in Accra has been delayed until the end of this year because transformers at an electricity substation serving the facility have to be upgraded, Ghana News Agency reports. The theatre closed for repairs in November 2004 but restoration only began in earnest the following March. The reopening was originally scheduled for early 2006.

The $2.5 million overhaul has involved refurbishing the auditorium and stage and fitting a central air conditioning system. The work has been carried out by a Chinese contractor, China National Complete Plant Export Corporation, and financed by the Chinese government, which also built the theatre.

Designed by Chinese architects Taining Cheng and Xianghan Ye, the National Theatre is considered one of the most important works of modern architecture in the Ghanaian capital. Since its opening in 1992 it has hosted numerous international and national shows. For pictures of the theatre and information see http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.tcl?site_id=1767