Laurence Crumbie
TWO giants of Spanish theatre and cinema have joined forces to create an original entertainment hub in Sevilla.
Platea, which is located in the shopping centre Plaza de Armas, once a railway station of Cordoba, is furnished with 90 comfortable chairs and impressive stained-glass windows.
It will host a variety of theatre, cinema, music, dance and circus shows, offering a place for peace of mind amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have been inspired by the Everyman Cinema chain in the United Kingdom, which rehabilitates old projection rooms by adding a cafe with a bookstore,” said Luis Millan, owner of the Odeon Multicines chain. “The formula has been very well received and is expanding throughout Europe.”
Platea is the second Odeon property in the Plaza de Armas complex. Odeon is also building a three-domed cinema nearby, though the virus has put these plans on hold.
Fortunately, it has not infected people’s spirits.
“Platea is a totally different space,” said Jose Maria Roca, founder and director of Producciones Imperdibles. “We are ambitious that creators will present projects designed specifically for Platea.”
The new centre is a collaboration between Odeon and Producciones Imperdibles. Although it has a capacity of 210, only half as many will be permitted to enter due to corona.
The red ribbon will be cut on Saturday and Platea will be open most days from 4 to 10pm.
