The Novandrian Operahouse
Architecture
The outside of the building was designed using the neo-reformist movement started by Gundar Hammerkin, who’s granddaughter is part of the Eisen Masons and Stonecrafters Guild. His preference for clean lines on structural points of the building and large alcoves for statuary dominate the structure and have provided a study on technique for new architects. The six alcoves above the main entrance display the founding members of the six Duchies of Eisen. The arched alcoves themselves act as a display center for current artists patronized by that particular duchy. It is considered a great honor to be commissioned for an annual rebranding.
The inside of the building is broken down into two main areas, those comprised of the outer series of rooms, constructed with plaster and stone, and the auditorium, which is constructed of wood. The wooden inner structure provides a reverberation time of over a second. The auditorium also features a double proscenium, with a recessed and hooded orchestral pit. The design is considered an oddity, completely obscuring the orchestra from the audience. Instead, the pit is designed to correct the balance between choral and instrument volume by reflecting off of the back of the stage. Many conductors have derided the design because of the difficulty in synchronizing with the singers, but cannot find fault in the clear and natural sounds that the acoustics produce.
The stone outer rooms are largely used to encompass the pre-parties hosted by the patrons as well as temporary housing for traveling troupes. Rather than having the entertainers travel across Ten Tower Bridge daily, the entertainers are instead kept in the Noble Quarter, often under watch.
Defenses
There are no built-in defenses for the building. Rather, during events security is hired to maintain the peace. Troupes and performers are expected to be able to police their own acts and those of competing plays. Hankmot has little tolerance for inter-troupe sabotage.
History
The Novandria Operahouse was built in 1819, during the cultural gains made after the first Congress of Eisen convened. The previous playhouse, located at the same location, was torn down to make way for the imposing structure. During the time period of the construction, plays and cultural events were held outside in the nearby Garten Botanika, where a temporary theatre can still be found. From time to time, oratory presentations are made there. In 1872, a fire was started by a dissident, claiming that the arts belonged to all and the Operahouse should be destroyed. Sine then, each year on the anniversary, some group or individual attempts to destroy the Operahouse, either as a prank or with more sinister aims in mind. Leading up to the anniversary, Rook presence in the quarter is increased as a result.
The Operahouse is operated and overseen by Hankmot the Industrious. Hankmot was commissioned by the Ducal Court as a permanent overseer for the Operahouse roughly twenty years ago. His primary function is to make sure that the Operahouse maintains its reputation as one of the finest cultural centers in Europa. As such, he is meticulous in screening shows before they are allowed to resent to the public. His secondary functions include making sure the nobility of Eisen have access to cultural entertainment, and making sure that performance art is kept alive in the city. Even if a performer or group is not good enough for the Novendrian Operahouse, he has contacts in all of the stages of the city, and can direct new acts to the proper venue. As such, he has become a cornerstone of the cultural arts and is rarely bothered during his jaunts through the city.
The government oversees the necessary funds to maintain the building and its staff. Oftentimes, donations from private individuals enhance the cultural icon through renovation or the building of additional portions of the Operahouse.
Tourism
There is plenty of local tourism, as well as international tourism. The Novandrian Operahouse is one of the premier cultural centers for High Society in the region. Often, patrons or visitors are allowed to pay for special tours of the building during hours that the performers are practicing. In addition, special events can be booked for wealthy nobles to give presentations.
The night is flush with excitement, and people flock to the Operahaus. Opening night is a busy night with excited theatre-goers dressed in their finest enjoy strutting their newest outfits for others to gape at. Guards are in place, and their buttons are shined as well as their boots. The weather is still cold, and many of the finer outfits still have furs or heavy brocades. Though some of the thinner fabrics have begun to make their seasonal show. The ushers check tickets and assist people to their seats. The loud buzz of many voices reverberates through the entry halls of the theatre, adding to the excitement of a night of entertainment. Notables who have the best seats reserved arrive, and soon the carriage line is long. Drivers rush to deliver their passengers to the theatre before the show starts. Notables find their way to their boxes and the main chamber is likewise soon filled.
Type
Opera house
Parent Location
Owner
Owning Organization
Characters in Location