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Teatro
Nicola Vaccaj
Tolentino
is known as the “little Broodway of Italy” because of the numberless
plays by the Compagnia della Rancia, directed by Saverio Marconi, perfomed
at the local Nicola Vaccaj theatre and then in the most famous Italian
theatres.
According
to documents dating back to 1560 several theatre plays were held in
several settings in town.
Only in the second half of 1700, though, the
building of a theatre was first planned.
The building was sponsored by
Carandini Cardinal and in fact the theatre was named ‘Aquila’ after
the two eagles in the Cardinal’s family coat of arms.
The
project and decorations were commissioned to the architect Giuseppe
Lucatelli.
The new theatre was opened on 10th September 1797.
A
century later the theatre was restored by a painter, Luigi Fontana and the
name of the theatre was eventually changed in honour of Nicola Vaccaj, a
local musician.
His was the idea of the way of opera singing that is still
used in the world.
The last restoration lasted ten years and the theatre
re-opened in 1985. On that occasion an opera concert was performed.
The
facade is in neo-classic style. It has three entrances and two large
medallions one with an eagle and the other with the Comune coat of arms.
Inside the theatre is of stunning artistic beauty.
The
ancient curtain is dedicated to two famous local people: the humanist
Francesco Fidelfo and the leader Niccolò Mauruzi.
Some of the ancient
features of the theatre are now kept in Palazzo Municipale and so are some
medallions frescoed by Fontana.
Teatro
Vaccaj features a play and music season and important events and
congresses.
by Marion Grazioli
Translated by Guendalina Santini
for Paradise Possible
Sponsored
by
Comune di Tolentino
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