18°c A few clouds
Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION
Thinking outside the Cube
Blog of the week: Anybody Want a Peanut?
Were the city or Exchange District BIZ told the rivets would have to be replaced every year? (PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES ) Photo Store
I’VE never been a big fan of the Cube, the performance stage at Winnipeg’s Old Market Square. This is probably because it reminds me of the cage my parents kept me locked in as a kid. Ha. Kidding. That never happened.
No, it’s partly because it looks out of place in a park surrounded by heritage buildings. If I were given an enormous amount of time and a budget, I would probably design something with more of a steam-punk look, with cables and gears that turned as the stage opened up to the audience. I can envision it, but haven’t been able to draw it.
That’s part of it, but mostly it’s because it just seems like an inefficient space. A cube may be great for storing M&Ms in, but it’s a questionable shape for this use. It’s a big, imposing structure, relative to the space it’s in, but the amount of usable area seems small. As an audience member, it does not invite an engaging or intimate experience because the stage is deep and the curtains close off much of it.
I understand from a performer’s perspective it’s not the best, either. I really do appreciate esthetics, but I would never buy something where functionality is seriously compromised for style; but that’s what seems to have happened here.
Now, to make matters worse, the chainmail curtain is falling apart due to "wear and tear" after only two years. I hope this thing came with a good warranty plan.
This is shameful. A 5468796 Architecture spokeswoman described the loose rivets as a regular maintenance issue. I find that hard to believe. If rivets are popping out so as to make the stage potentially lethal to performers after two years, and if it’s a regular maintenance issue, then I guess the maintenance schedule must call for the rivets to be replaced sooner than two years so as to ensure safe continued operation.
So, were the city or Exchange District BIZ told in advance they would have to replace thousands of rivets every year?
Anyhow...
Remaining shows need to be moved to different venues as a result of this. Most, according to the Free Press article linked to above, will be relocated to the plaza at 201 Portage Ave.
I have another idea: move them to the new Park behind the Millennium Library.
It’s a larger space, and it’s a quieter and less-distracting place to watch a performance than a busy corner just off Portage and Main.
In addition to that, it would be a great way to introduce people to this new public space.
I could see there being a potential issue with the noise of the concert disrupting the peaceful environment within the library, depending on the day and time. After 6 p.m. on a Friday or Saturday would not be a problem.
I think it makes almost perfect sense. I’m sure somewhere in the $7.4 million that was spent there were hookups installed for a band to plug in to, and there’s lots of room for folks to spread out. Why not? It’s a good opportunity.
Follow this blogger at anybody-want-a-peanut.blogspot.ca .
More Local
- Back to Top
- Return to Local
Poll
Most Popular Local
- Court told driver hysterical after vehicle fatally hit highway worker
- Basic arithmetic back in class
- Mountie hospitalized, dog euthanized after crash near Saskatoon
- Child in critical condition after West End crash
- Glover quits quarrel over election costs
- MP Glover files new version of disputed 2011 election expenses
- City-wide average mosquito count drops
- Committee wants report on free replacement for garbage, recycling carts
- Pallister continues PST fight
- Province blows off wind megawatt goal
- Safeway stores likely to close
- Squirrel crawls out of Winnipegger's toilet
- Poolside feeding prompts eviction
- Court told driver hysterical after vehicle fatally hit highway worker
- Stoppage of play off the field
- Child in critical condition after West End crash
- Basic arithmetic back in class
- Kenyan wins Manitoba Marathon
- Traffic heavy as Bomber fans flock to U of M
- St. Norbert's hopping
- Father blasts 'horrific' movie
- Safeway stores likely to close
- Man dies after being pulled from vehicle submerged in Winnipeg retention pond
- Flood money paid for CEO's romantic trip
- Car in deadly crash stolen?
- UPDATE: Now with FAQ: Keeping the e-party going without the party-crashers
- Squirrel crawls out of Winnipegger's toilet
- Daycare provider charged with abandonment
- Poolside feeding prompts eviction
- Two people killed in crash north of Winnipeg
- Basic arithmetic back in class
- At 55, I'm wise to what's real in life
- Court told driver hysterical after vehicle fatally hit highway worker
- Province blows off wind megawatt goal
- Child in critical condition after West End crash
- Bible Belt's bogeyman still haunts town
- Mountie hospitalized, dog euthanized after crash near Saskatoon
- Province's new approach to teaching math long overdue: readers
- Métis ready to ring bell again
- Bus drivers would like more protection than just inspectors
- Basic arithmetic back in class
- Squirrel crawls out of Winnipegger's toilet
- Safeway stores likely to close
- App could give Winnipeggers chance to report bad parking, get paid
- $110-K worth of nickel plates stolen from Thompson mine
- Doctors blamed for death
- Province blows off wind megawatt goal
- A day in the life of 13,380 Manitoba Marathon participants
- Known as kind, outgoing men
- Stoppage of play off the field
- Basic arithmetic back in class
- Squirrel crawls out of Winnipegger's toilet
- Developers to unveil plans for bold downtown tower
- Father blasts 'horrific' movie
- Teachers support adding sexual-orientation themes to all curricula
- The crime fighter's revolution
- Safeway stores likely to close
- Car in deadly crash stolen?
- City's first urban reserve born
- On board with the Snowbirds
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Have Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?
Login SubscribeHave Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?
SubscribeThe Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.