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Teatro Gentile da Fabriano The
Gentile da Fabriano Theatre is currently considered to be one of the
best theatres in the Marche. It has one of the best cultural programmes on
offer as well as excellent acoustics .The theatre was completed in 1884 by
the architect, Cleomene Luigi Petrini and stands on the same site where
previous theatres had stood ; a wooden theatre dating from the early
1600’s then from 1691 a public theatre, the “Pubblico” followed by a
series of theatres , the ‘”Teatro Concordia” in1803 , which was
quickly substituted by the “Pubblico Cittadino” and the ‘Teatro
Aurora”. The “Teatro Camurio” was active from1847 to 1863 before
being destroyed by fire . Having
a theatre evidently meant such a lot to the locals as it attracted a
prestigious clientele and gave the town a cultural façade, that a
temporary theatre was founded .The ‘Teatro Provvisorio” was located in
the cloisters of Sant’Agostino
in1863 and moved in 1866 to the building known today as the Cinema Montini
until building of the new theatre was completed. The
theatre is attached to the 16th.century Palazzo Municipale.
Access to the building , up the grand staircase is through an elevated
portico leading into a splendid atrium which leads in turn , to the museum.
There is rich collection of photographs of artists works shown in the
gallery as well as musical instruments and
gadgets used to create theatrical effects in the past and old
posters. Passing
through an elegant foyer we arrive at the theatre entrance itself .The eye
is immediately caught by the by the beautiful paintings of
“Il Secolo d’Oro” executed by Luigi Serra in1880. The colours
are still as fresh today as when they were painted and the trompe l’oeil
effects , well balanced across the spacious stage. On the ceiling ,
executed by the sculptor, Francesco Mannucci are eight ornamental panels
designed by Serra in chiaroscuro and painted by Luigi Samoggia whilst the
scene-painter, Razzarri , completed the figures on the vaults. In
this glorious four-tiered theatre many important artists have seen their
works come to light, artists such as; Gustav Khun, Gert Meditz, Mario del
Monaco, Beniamino Gigli, Pietro Mascagni, Ottavio Ziino, Riccardo Zandonai
, Ottorino Respighi ,Carla Fracci, Giusv Devinu etc. Today
one can still enjoy an exciting programme of events organised for
the Prose Season , Symphonic
Music, Opera and Dance Seasons. The
theatre also organises various different events including theatre
workshops to open a wider understanding of theatre in all its forms. These
events are aimed especially at the young but are also open to actors and
those interested in cultural arts. |