Reykjavik City Theatre
Reykjavík City Theatre is a theatre in Reykjavík.
In 1989, after 90 years of performing in a small wooden building in the city centre, the company inaugurated a new, modern theatre complex. The large new building (11,000 square metres in total), comparable to many of Europe's best theatres, has very modern facilities and four highly technical and adaptable stages. The main stage seats 560 people, a black box theatre holds 240, a theatre-in-the-round 220, and a café-theatre has room for 120 at full capacity.
The RCT employs up to 200 people at any given time. Amongst the permanent team of artists, technicians and craftsmen are some of Iceland's most sought-after talents. The company also contracts prestigious international talents for a selection of projects. All elements of production take place within the theatre itself, which has its own lighting and sound departments, set and props workshops, costume and make-up departments as well as an experienced technical stage crew.
The company season runs from September through June each year. The RCT stages 9 to 13 new productions annually, in addition to hosting a variety of collaborations with other theatre companies. Its audience tallies range from 150,000 – 200,000 per annum, making it the most popular theatre in Iceland. The RCT is subsidised by the City of Reykjavík and is fortunate to enjoy corporate sponsorship while maintaining a healthy independent balance sheet.
The company draws on a richly varied repertoire of international and domestic works. It breaks new ground even when producing classic works. Under the artistic direction of Magnus Geir Thordarson, the company prides itself on a strong ensemble dedicated to emancipating young writers and discovering talented new directors. It is also mindful of the necessity of artistic vision and strong presentations to maintain record-breaking audience attendance. Furthermore, the RCT promotes a wide range of outside events varying from philosophical debates to rock concerts. It is also the RCT's honour and privilege to be the resident theatre of ID, the Icelandic Dance Company.
In order to maintain an edge in competitive innovation, the RCT also promotes productions by independent theatre groups. Each year the theatre also hosts international guest performances while exporting progressive Icelandic theatre to festivals and theatres on the international scene. The RCT has successfully collaborated with many leading international companies such as the Barbican Centre in London and Het Muziek Theater in Amsterdam. It is also proud to be the principal collaborator of the innovative and acclaimed Vesturport theatre group, with whom it has produced much-praised productions of Romeo and Juliet and Woyzeck which have been performed throughout the world.
Artistic Director: Magnus Geir Thordarson Manager: Thorsteinn S. Asmundsson
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Coordinates: 64°07′44″N 21°53′46″W / 64.12889°N 21.89611°W