B a c k g r o u n d The "CAPASSO CENTRE" originated with the conversion of the old "MARIGNAN" cinema, which was enormously successful in the 60s. The MARIGNAN as it is today dates from 1958, when it took the place of the "Maison des Brasseurs", which was a typical Brussels establishment. One of the very first film shows in town is said to go back to 1905. The MARIGNAN would therefore appear to have been set up in the very place where, more than fifty years before, the first film shows were presented to the inhabitants of Brussels.   Up until 1976, the business was run by the company "Les Cinés de Saint-Josse". In 1977, a new limited company "Les Cinés Madou" took over the business, which remained partially in the hands of the same family.   However a few months later, during 1978-79, the new managers gave up all cinema activity completely and converted the buildings into an auditorium. Up until 1991, the Institut National Supérieur des Arts, du Spectacle et des Techniques de diffusion (The National Higher Institut for the Arts, Theatre and Cinema and Broadcasting Techniques) occupied it for its work programme, before it was closed for conversion. Two years of work were necessary to convert it into three conference areas, each measuring 300 m2.   The company E.L.C. Service (owners of the premises) insisted on restoring the decor in order to keep the style of the period. In this spirit, the "MALOU" auditorium is intended for the projection of films and for theatre shows. We would like to thank Madame M. Meekers of the MINISTRY FOR THE BRUSSELS CAPITAL REGION (Services des Monuments et Sites [The Department of Monuments and Conservation Areas]) for her kind help in the compiling of this background information.