See on Scoop.it - Good Things From Italy - Le Cose Buone d’Italia
We continue our journey through Italy’s lesser-known theatres that boast an interesting history and relevant architectural features. Today we take you to Parma where we visit the Teatro Farnese. Modern and ancient styles merge in the Italian city of Parma. Old monuments, plane trees, chic boutiques, quaint delicatessens and contemporary artworks flank the cobbled streets of the elegant city centre that are frequented by trams, weaving cyclists, strolling students and curious tourists. Piazzale della Pilotta at the heart of the city is home to the magnificent Teatro Farnese, which is the precursor to the modern-day playhouse. The theatre is perhaps the equivalent of a 21st century oligarch’s media room equipped with the latest technology. Built from wood and modelled on a classical style, the Baroque theatre was commissioned in the early 17th century by Ranuccio I, Duke of Parma and member of the powerful Farnese family. The theatre was inaugurated in 1628 as the venue for the wedding celebrations of the duke’s son, Ottavio, to Cosimo de’ Medici’s daughter, Margherita. The duke and his family participated as actors in a play at the nuptials and staged a naumachia (naval battle) that employed mock-ships on wheels. The theatre was then used only nine times over the next 104 years.
See on italymagazine.com
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