NEW PICTURE THEATRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19731, 2 September 1927, Page 9

NEW PICTURE THEATRE.

PROPOSAL AT DUNEDIN. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] DUNEDIN, Thursday. The lessee of the Empire Picture Theatre, Mr. T. A. O'Brien, has made arrangements to acquire more property, to give space for a theatre which will hold nearly 3000 people. The New Empire, it is said, will be different from any theatre at present existing in New Zealand or Australia. It will bo of what is known as the "atmospheric type." This means that the decorative scheme will give the audience the impression that it is in the open air and in the midst of a sun-bathed beautiful landscape. The roof of the theatre will be without corners or projections, and will be coloured sky blue. Across the roof clouds will move in the day time and tiny stars shine at night. The panorama will depict a temple scene" in India with minarets and gardens, and will create a feature that will, so far as is known, be new to any theatre in the world. It is a now idea in tho construction and decoration of the proscenium and stage.' In the "atmospheric" theatres in America, the designers have created sky and garden effects all round, in place of the stereotyped fibrous-plaster decoration. An organ will be installed in the new building and the very best seating accommodation provided. The total cost is estimated at £70,000.