The Embassy Theatre: Wellington
{Week 11, Representing Space and Place: Locate the space/place you will build a story about for your digital storytelling assignment. Explain the various ways this space is represented in existing digital media/platforms. Who is the “author” of this space? In other words, what opportunities does the technology user have to contribute to the definition of this space/place?}
I have chosen to explore the history of the Embassy Theatre located on the corner of Kent Terrace and Majoribanks Street. The Embassy Theatre is a landmark building first built in 1926 then fully refurbished in 2003 as preparations for the World Premier of the famed The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
To the everyday user, The Embassy is generally seen as just another film theatre where they can watch newly released films as is the social norm nowadays. Although this is true, the theatre is known for so much more. One thing that attracts its visitors is the sheer beauty of the interior and grandeur of it’s architectural design. Such as the main entrance in which was “noted for its tiled walls; a feature that continued up the two marble lined staircases.”
[Image of the exterior of The Embassy Theatre: image sourced from https://www.wellingtonnz.com/discover/sights-activities/embassy-theatre/.]
[Interior of the “The Grand” theatre in the The Embassy: image sourced from google images.]
[Interior of the entrance, staircase up to the second floor: image sourced from google images.]
The Embassy Theatre has also grown into something of a cultural icon since being the venue of now several movie premieres such the likes of Peter Jackson’s King Kong and The Lovely Bones, as well as Wellingtons Film Festival. One standout event in 2012 was the world premier of The Hobbit – An Unexpected Journey which gave further recognition to the international profile and local prestige of the building.
[A YouTube video covering the Premiere of The Hobbit – An Unexpected Journey shows the scale of the event which was held at The Embassy Theatre in Wellington in 2012.]
The way we capture this space on social media and the experience we have there contributes to the definition of this place. How the events are carried out and coverage of these events in news media also plays a huge role!