Scala brings down curtains after 51 years
Image credit: Nulty, Beautiful Bangkok, and Wise Kwai’s Thai Film Journal
During the lockdown, cinemas in Thailand were one of the businesses affected by lockdown safety measures. While the big cinema branches slowly resume their operations for the “New Normal”, a legendary standalone theatre will be closing its doors.
On 4th – 5th July, the Scala Theatre will screen its last films for filmgoers after 51 years of memories before closing down.
Also read:
https://thesmartlocal.com/thailand/drive-in-cinema-bangkok/
Last lights at the Scala Theatre
Image credit: 200jours
The Apex Scala announced on 23 June that La Scala would cease operations after the first weekend of July. On 3rd July, the theatre will turn on all its lights to let visitors have one last look as a glowing memory.
Light on the stairs create a red carpet
Image credit: Creative Thailand
The theater’s name Scala means “stair” in Italian and reflects the flight of stairs at the entrance. The blend between quaint yet classy design that remains unchanged like a time capsule.
Image credit: ApexSiam-Square
Visitors will get to see the art deco style architecture coupled with a more rustic and cozy theatre room.
Previously, the theatre announced temporary closure from 18th March to 31st May due to lockdown safety measures.
For years, rumours circulated that the Scala theatre was at risk of closing down. Back in 2018, the adjacent Lido Theatre closed down after 50 years, and now Scala announces its closure after 51 years.
Last screenings at Scala
La Scala in 1969
Image credit: Fleming Riisgaard
Each selected film has some meaningful theme regarding cinema and the end of an era.
A scene from Cinema Paradiso – a movie about a friendship between a boy and a projectionist and their love for cinema
Image credit: Medium
The following will be screened on the 4th-5th of July:
- Michelangelo Antonioni’s Blow-Up (1966) at noon, Watch the trailer here.
- Two documentary films (The Scala* and Nirandrathri**) at 3:00PM.
- Giuseppe Tornatore’s Cinema Paradiso (1988) at 6:00PM. Watch the trailer here. (Note: Highly recommended film. Get your tissues ready.)
*The Scala is a documentary about the theatre itself. Watch the trailer here.
**Nirandrathri (Phantom of Illumination) is about the twilight years of standalone cinemas. Watch the trailer here.
The tickets will sell for ฿140 ($4.50) and ฿160 ($5.18) starting on the 27th of June.
Booking takes place from:
- 27 June – 2 July (10AM-4PM)
- 3 July (10AM-8PM)
- 4-5 July (10AM-6PM)
La Scala Theatre
Address: Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330
Opening Hours: 10AM-8PM, Daily
Telephone: 02 251 2861
Website
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