Stage set for Dublin's new theatre

The stage floorboards of Dublin's newest theatre have been ceremonially put in place at a media gathering involving Irish actor and honorary theatre director Gabriel Byrne. The theatre is located in the city's newest and most exciting quarter: Grand Canal Square. Designed by famed architect Daniel Libeskind, who was selected to redesign the World Trade Center in New York, the building is still under construction but it is hoped that it will be opened by St Patrick's Day 2010. When completed it will seat an impressive 2,100 people, making it the largest theatre in the capital.

Former Abbey actor Gabriel Byrne emphasised the theatre's importance by saying: 'Every city needs a theatre. Its not just a building; it's about being exposed to new ideas. Theatre changes the way we view society and connects us to global ideas'. Managing director Mike Adamson said the theatre would allow Dublin to host the biggest and most expensive international productions, including operas and ballets. He also stressed that it would be commercially self-funding.