L’origine of the current Teatro Verdi dates back to 1874, when the Arena Giardino was erected near the old walls of Cesena, where the city’s public garden was also created; not far from the Teatro Bonci. Later the arena was modified, taking on the appearance of an elegant theater, which retained the name ‘Giardino’, with an elliptical stalls and three tiers arranged in a continuous band, respectively consisting of galleries and boxes on the first tier, boxes on the second, and the gallery on the third; supported by slender cast iron columns, proscenium boxes, and a decorated ceiling. Various types of performances are regularly held there, including drama, operetta, opera, and gymnastic shows; in December 1896 the first cinematic screening in Cesena took place there and, after a period of disinterest in this invention, from 1904 film screenings regularly became part of this venue’s programming, interrupted in April 1907 when a fire severely damaged the theater, which was rebuilt in a short time. Since 1919 it has been named Teatro Verdi, a name it still holds. Variety shows, operettas, carnival balls, and film screenings continued to alternate here, and evenings dedicated to political debates were also held, as the theater was rented out to various parties. In 1975 it underwent a comprehensive renovation which, although not radically altering its structure, introduced a kind of masking of the original appearance. The last theater season took place in 1977-78, after which the space was used exclusively for film screenings. Until now, when a radical intervention has redefined its appearance and functions. The character of a multipurpose space, intended from its inception to host the most diverse forms of entertainment, has been fully recovered and reinterpreted in a contemporary key, thanks to a restoration project entrusted by the owners to architect Sanzio Castagnoli of Cesena. The main aim of the designer was to remove everything that had been added over the years to the original structure; through an extremely respectful philological operation which, by eliminating countless superimpositions and bringing back the framework, re-presented the architecture of the hall in its graphic essence. Only a few ‘memories’ of its function as a cinema were preserved, such as the access staircase to the projection booth (which has been removed), as well as the ‘projection mouth’. The concrete stalls were replaced with a suitable wooden flooring, while the removal of the cinema screen brought back the original stage, revealed to be of considerable proportions, complete with a winch and an antique wooden fly system. The restoration of the central skylight, made possible within the ancient perimeter, allows zenithal light to flood the hall, enabling daytime usability. The design proposed by Giacomo Strada for the ‘dynamic’ furnishings, studied consistently with the stylistic signature of the theater machinery, to allow effective mobility of objects, represents, along with the sculpture installed in the foyer, the most avant-garde impact. Francesco Bocchini created for the foyer of this theater a large wall composition made up of 160 iron sheet masks painted with oil, ironically and irreverently dedicated to figures from classical music and entertainment. The theater, thus renovated, features a cultural and entertainment offering that is particularly diverse. Starting from the premise that the language of art in its broadest meaning and multiple expressions can renew the aggregative, creative, and cultural spirit, the operators of the Verdi have created a program intending the theater in its most eclectic facets. Furthermore, outside the official program, these spaces are made available for other activities, whether aimed at promoting an interactive and dynamic relationship with contemporary art through exhibitions, presentations, meetings between the public and critics, or for conferences and corporate initiatives. Since the spring of 2008, nine bronze sculptures dedicated to Commedia dell’Arte characters have been placed in the park adjacent to the theater, works created by the sculptor Domenico Neri, who donated them to the city. (Lidia Bortolotti)
Information about Teatro Verdi
Via Sostegni 7,
47521 Cesena (Forlì-Cesena)
Source: MIBACT
