The National Performing Arts Theatre – to open soon – is the best and biggest in South Asia. Stephen Prins visits the state-of-the-art venue. Pix by M. A. Pushpa Kumara

Now that The National Performing Arts Theatre is a work in progress no longer but a completed architectural fact, a colossal, visually stunning fait accompli, everyone wants a peek inside. We are agog, for we are about to get our first peek. Here on a private visit, we are waiting at the main gate to be admitted to the sprawling premises.
Recently, after what felt like ages, the outer wrappings – corrugated sheets on a surrounding fence – were removed. The theatre is now revealed from top to bottom for all to see and admire. Set in a choice part of the city, and towering over just about everything else, the state-of-the-art venue is good to go.
The major construction work – the theatre took four years to build – ended a few months ago, and only some peripheral tidying up remains to be done. A gang of workers is preparing the road and pavement immediately outside the premises. Road rollers are flattening layers of rock stones, gusts of gritty dust are blowing our way, and a hot, stinging smell of molten tar hangs heavy in the air.


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