Fast food restaurant to become alternative theater

TIRANA, June.21 – During a meeting entitled, “New artists and market challenges”, Culture Minister Ylli Pango promised to turn the Colonnades building known as “kolonat”, currently a fast food restaurant, into a stage of alternative theater to address the repeated requests for such a venue.
“Kolonat” is part of the Monumental Historic ensemble of Tirana and the National Council of Monuments Restoration has already approved to use the building for art and culture purposes. The modifications needed to adapt the building into a theater will be done while respecting it historic character and adding light glass structures. The police have given 45 days o the owners of the fast food to relocate their business. The grant of 1.5 million euros to build the theater was approved one year ago by the Greek government.
The drive to build an alternative theater was initiated by former Minister Leskaj. It is part of a larger project to encourage young artist and to host the theater festival for youth that will be held in October of 2007. Part of the funds allocated to this project will also serve to support visual arts and to award prizes for the competitions of young artists.