The Half Moon Theatre made by Florian Beigel in 1985 was the second version of the theatre. Inspired by Elizabethan Theatres and Commedia dell’Arte, both known for open and adaptable stages that encouraged direct interaction between actors and audiences.
The space was designed to provide a larger, more flexible and interactive performance space. In order to achieve this Beigel created a contiguous and non-hierarchical space capable of fostering multiple interactions simultaneously.
Its flexibility was introduced by its open plan allowing multiple configurations suited to different performances and events. Movable furniture, like bleachers and chairs allowed the full optimization of the space’s flexibility. Certain configurations could lead to a more intimate and domestic feeling while others, opened and extending into to the courtyard could serve as an invitation to the outside world.
However, the theatre partially failed as its design led to acoustics and visibility issues. These challenges, combined with financial issues eventually led to the abandonment of the space and its relocation to different buildings across the city. The building turned into a pub.