Teatro Olimpico
The Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza is the first free-standing autonomous theater building, which was built since ancient times in Europe. Architect of the theater is Andrea Palladio.
Architectural History
1579 acquired the Olympic Academy of Vicenza, the founding members also counted Palladio, Vicenza a lot. Since the Academy members tended a special interest in theater and the performing arts, they decided to build a theater hall and commissioned Palladio, who was one of the most renowned architects of his time, with the design. The work began in February 1580 and were initially performed after the death of Palladio in August of the same year by his son Silla and then completed by Vincenzo Scamozzi, who was also responsible for the interiors. Scamozzi also designed the architectural backdrops for the opening of the theater on 3 March 1585th The game was the play Oedipus the King by Sophocles, the Kulissenbauten are preserved.
Between 1582 and 1584 built Scamozzi a side building for meetings of the Academy, the so-called Odeon.
Architecture
The theater was built according to the scheme of a Roman theater. It consists of the auditorium ( cavea ), Stage ( Orchestra ) and the stage building ( skene ), which according to the venue for classical tragedy as the Palace Front ( proscenium ) is formed. As with all his buildings Palladio is free but with the ancient regulations to: The auditorium, about 800 people have space in which, is a semi- oval with 14 stepped rows of seats. It is completed by a portico with balustrade ( Exedra ). The statues on it, created by Giacomo Cassetti, have been developed until the mid- 18th century in honor of the founder of the Academy. Unlike a Roman theater is Palladio's construction covered. However, the painted sky above the cavea alludes to the classic open-air theater.
The stage wall are three portals through the view of a city backdrop - an idealized Thebes - free. To enhance the illusion of depth, the stage floor rises and the houses are reduced in perspective. The scenery seems to 100-200 meters depth, but in reality is only 12 meters. Actually, the city backdrop for the performance of " Oedipus the King " was created, but remained after the performance are available for all performances and has since served as a stage. In the aedicules formed as blind windows, are life-size figures of Academy members.
Today's ceiling dates from 1914, but corresponds broadly to the original state, as it is preserved in an engraving of 1630. Since the end of World War II, two new inputs allow the lateral access to the auditorium. The original rear stairways are accessible only during special events.
The theater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and station of the Italy - Europe route of the road Historic Theater.
Lasse Hallström filmed here at the scenes of his film Casanova, who play in the University of Venice. Joseph Losey turned 1979 here are some scenes for his Don Giovanni film.