We are now three weeks in to the building process for our long hoped for palapa-style theatre after receiving the full funding from EEF. The build team, led by Douglas, has made rapid progress in site leveling, foundation and excavation work. We are now at a critical stage of consultation to decide exactly what materials we are going to use for the roof structure. An engineer from trail-blazing local company CO2 Bamboo, is working on plans and costs to build the roof using bamboo. We are hopeful that this approach will be economically viable as it has both practical and environmental advantages.

The pressure is on to make these decisions as we hope to have the roof completed by mid-December. We have strengthened the foundations from the original plans for the extra security necessary in an earth-quake zone and we have also made the addition of a water tank under the performance area.

The water tank will give greater capacity to irrigate the school’s land during the dry season and will aid the acoustics of the performance space. We have also thought extensively about how to maximize the potential of the roof columns and beams to help performance needs. Considerations of lighting, scenery support and fly-rigging are being thought off at the same time as the practicalities of roof construction and budget.

One way or another we are committed to building something beautiful and at the same time practical.