CRISIS

What You Need to Know About the Bataclan Theater, the Venue Under Attack in Paris

Armed terrorists took at least 100 people hostage during an Eagles of Death Metal concert at the historic venue on Friday night.

It is perhaps no coincidence that the historic Bataclan theater in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, France was hosting a concert by an American band, the Eagles of Death Metal, Friday evening when gunmen opened fire, killing dozens of concert-goers in an attack that lasted between 10 and 15 minutes, according to one journalist who was at the show.

Approximately 100 hostages were still inside hours later, with reports from Twitter claiming that the assailants were killing those who remain alive one by one.

GALLERY: Photos From the Attack on Paris (PHOTOS)

The Bataclan theater was built in 1864 and originally served as a home for vaudeville entertainment. It was converted into a cinema in the mid-1920’s and remained that way until 1969 when it was transformed back into a concert hall. Its capacity is listed at 1,500.

Upcoming acts scheduled to play at the theater include the Deftones this coming Saturday and Sunday evenings; and the guitarist Gary Clark, Jr. on Wednesday night next week. Although most of the performances at the venue are from rock bands, the Bataclan also hosts hip hop artists, disco bands, comedians, and private parties.

The official website for the venue has been offline since the attack, likely overwhelmed by the increased traffic.

Several photographs were taken from inside the venue before attacks began:

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Matt WilsteinSenior Editor

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