2007 » Brazil » Architecture section

The Theatre of Oscar Niemeyer

In this edition of the Prague Quadrennial, Brazil presents some projects of the most important Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer, whose work is spread across many countries. One of his best known achievements is the National Theatre in Brasilia, the Brazilian Capital. In the last few years, Niemeyer has conceived many other theatres; some of them already built, others in construction or “in project”. Among them, the four projects shown here at the Prague Quadrennial 2007. These have a common characteristic: Italian-styled, including asecond proscenium arch in the back of the scenic box opening to the exterior. There is also always a square or public park connected, allowing performances to a wider audience. This reflects the architect’s social concern, which is allowis the average man to a type of performance mostly attended by the elites. Notwithstanding his important contribution to the conception of scenic spaces, it must be stressed his more than 70 years of uninterrupted creative production in Brazilian and international architecture. Oscar Niemeyer Oscar Ribeiro de Almeida Niemeyer Soares Filho (December 15, 1907) is a Brazilian architect who is considered one of the most important names in international modern architecture. He was apioneer in the exploration of the constructive possibilities of reinforced concrete. Although he was a defender of utilitarianism, his creations did not have the blocky coldness frequently criticized by post-modern critics. His buildings have forms so dynamic and curves so sensual that many admirers say that, more than an architect, he is a sculptor of monuments, a trait some critics consider to be adefect. Oscar Niemeyer and his contribution to the construction of the city of Brasília is portrayed and somewhat parodied in the 1964 French movie L’homme de Rio (That Man From Rio), starring Jean-Paul Belmondo.