Boxoffice-July.1997

.lulv. 1997 11
LOOK MA—NO HANDS!: The seemingly support-less twin balconies of the Tuschinski's main auditorium, created to
ensure excellent sightlines for all patrons, are an architectural demonstration ofAbram Tuschinski's egalitarian outlook.
built the Dutch theatre that bears his name, was
in part a philosophical reflection of the democratization
movement that swept through Europe
after the downfall of the German Kaiser
and Russia's Czar.
Tuschinski's quite noble stated aim in building
the Tuschinski was to bring the luxury of
the upper classes to within easy reach of the
common man, and virtually every design feature
of the theatre he left behind triumphantly
proclaims the success of his venture. The Art
Deco influence of which the wealthier classes
were so enamored during the 1920s is prevalent—so
much so that the Tuschinski is often
cited as a prime example of that architectural
school. Deco fans will love the clean, rounded
lines of the Tuschinski's hundreds of light
fixtures, the sheer marbleized surfaces of its
concessions counter spaces and its imposing,
slighdy rococo stairwells and balustrades.
B
ut though the Deco school is amply and
gorgeously represented throughout the
Tuschinski's grand design, Tuschinski
and his architects took a more playful and
eclectic approach to their task in creating the
theatre. There is a Mighty Wurlitzer organ
dating back to the '20s made and shipped to
the house from the Wurlitzer plant in Tonawanda,
U.S.A. which is used today mainly for
concerts and which is considered such a priceless
national treasure that it is actually protected
by government statute. There's a touch
of Sid Grauman's taste for the exotic in the
theatre's many bos reliefmurals and its sculptures,
most of which are Far Eastem in influence,
some even resembling the work of the
pre- and early-Christian Arab icon artists.
Uniquely Dutch motifs are also present
throughout the theatre, reflecting two discrete
architectural movements: the "Jugendstil,"
which is an ancient building approach, and the
more modem Amsterdam school, derived in
part from some of the theories on ftinctionalism
of the Bauhaus group.
Aside from beautiful pine and mahogany
flooring, virtually every covered inch of the
Tuschinski is swathed in specially-created
hand-woven Persian carpets, created according
to a unique design scheme which enhances
and unifies the Middle Eiastem with the Art
Deco components of the theatre's grand style.
An
In many ways it's the floor coverings
which serve to bridge the
dilTering visual approaches manifested
by the Tuschinski's architecture—the
place where
divergent influences meet, mingle
and give birth to the new.
Ifthere is any one feature ofthe
Tuschinski which perhaps best
embodies the democratic spirit of
Abram Tuschinski's original
ideal, it is the relationship of its
two main balconies to the largest
of the Tuschinski's six auditoriums.
Here, where the attractions
which would draw audience's to
the house would be displayed,
Tuschinski and his builders
struggled to ensure that virtually
every moviegoer's experience
would be identical, and of the
highest order.
Sighthnes were the principal
problem in designing the ultimate
viewing place. What
Tuschinski and his collaborators
came up with was a stunning and
unheard of design allowing for
two enormous balconies spanning
the entire rear section of the
main auditorium to hang in the air
without the use of even a single
column for support. It's a breathtaking
sight, and little short of
miraculous given the building
materials of the day; in their successful
quest to ensure that every
seat in the Tuschinski had a clear
view of the screen, Tuschinski's
team created an architectural
miracle that seems to defy gravity.
While the entire theatre is
filled with inspired touches, the
main auditorium is, appropriately
enough, the cuhnination.
m.sterdam is a city of wonders, many of
which—from the Van Gogh Museum
Uo I the Anne Frankhuis to the
Rijksmuseum—are justiy world-famous. The
beauty of its cinematic wonders is by no means
Umited to the Tuschinski—there are many fine
theatres in and about the city proper, a wide
range of which are within easy walking distance
of Dam Square. But for anyone who
loves the architectural possibilities inherent in
the moviehouse and who is looking for something
special to do while at the Cinema Expo
this year, you could do worse than to spend an
afternoon at the Tuschinski. And while you're
at it, take in a movie. After all, when it's all said
and done, that's really what it's all about. |H
75-mirmte guided tours of the Tuschinski
Theater are available during the months of
July and August every Sunday and Monday
morning at 10:30. Groups are welcome year
round, but should apply in writingfor a reservation
at least one week in advance. For tour
info (in Amsterdam): 020-623-1510. Fax: 020-
625-3199.