Teatro Nuovo Gian Carlo Menotti

Spoleto

General

The nominated property comprises the blocks around the Teatro Nuovo Gian Carlo Menotti, a standalone building in Largo Beniamino Gigli. The theatre is notable for its historic curtain, painted by Francesco Coghetti.

The nominated property comprises the blocks around the Teatro Nuovo Gian Carlo Menotti, a standalone building in Largo Beniamino Gigli. The theatre is notable for its historic curtain, painted by Francesco Coghetti. This artwork commemorates Hannibal’s defeat at the walls of Spoleto, during which the townspeople successfully repelled the attack by pouring boiling oil from the defensive tower. The theatre employs both manual rope rigging and motorised rigging, depending on the needs of the performance. Historic stage costumes from the theatre are preserved by the non-profit Festival dei Due Mondi foundation. Traces of an ancient Roman wall can be seen near the theatre’s fire escape in Via Sant’Andrea.

The theatre is managed by the Municipality of Spoleto. It offers a varied programme that includes the renowned Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of Two Worlds). Additionally, there are seasons for opera, drama, and jazz, as well as the Settimana Internazionale della Danza (International Dance Week) and the “Domenica dei sogni” (Sunday of Dreams) programme for children. The theatre also offers educational activities and hosts school and dance school recitals. It organises events for local associations, theatre company performances, conferences, and private functions.

Tours of the theatre are arranged with the Culture Department of the Municipality of Spoleto. During the Festival of Two Worlds, guided tours are offered by the city’s tourism office.

Historical Context

Period of the rise of the nation-state (1848–1875)

Design and Inauguration dates

1853–1864

Ireneo Aleandri (1795–1885)

Owned by

Municipality of Spoleto

Capacity

784

Continuity of use/Activity

227 days open/year
193 days of theatrical activities
34 days of community cultural activities

Artists

Luigi Masella (auditorium decorations, curtain), Francesco Coghetti (curtain), Carlo Bazzani (act drop), Pietro Recanatini (scenery), Eugenio Venier (stage machinery), Biagioli (façade stuccowork and medallions with effigies of music maestros)

Location

Spoleto

Perugia
,
Umbria

Population in

1861

18,903 inhabitants

Current Population

36,186 inhabitants

Teatro Nuovo Gian Carlo Menotti
Church of Santo Angioletto

Plan

Horseshoe

Building
Auditorium

Building

Façade

The façade consists of a central section flanked by two side wings. The building is of two storeys with the main entrance on Largo Beniamino Gigli. The smooth ashlar main body is surmounted by a decorative attic with the inscription AERE CIVIUM CURA PATRUM / MDCCCLXIV. A deep, three-bayed arcade fronts the building on the ground floor. Between the round arches there are four stucco medallions by the sculptor Biagioli depicting Rossini, Alfieri, Goldoni, and Metastasio. The niches directly below them contain four stone statues from the 17th century. The three arches on the first floor are set slightly back and are separated by pairs of Ionic pilaster strips, with four niches between them.

Layout of Interior Spaces

The theatre is a large building with well-distributed spaces. An arcade at the front of the building leads into the columned entrance hall and, in turn, into adjoining rooms. Six staircases lead to the three upper floors, where there are a number of reception rooms. There is an additional wing on the lower floor with further space for utility rooms. The two internal courtyards once contained a water tank to supply the old fire-extinguishing system.

Auditorium

Vertical Arrangement

Four tiers of boxes and a gallery. The auditorium is arranged vertically in tiers of boxes fronted by panelled balustrades decorated in a variety of styles-.

Plafond

The shallow dome vaulted ceiling is connected to the gallery pillars by groins. The plafond decoration is arranged in concentric registers formed of plant designs mixed with fantastical elements, all in neo-Renaissance style. The tempera decorations feature allegorical female musicians and include four oil paintings in wooden frames depicting Music, Comedy, Tragedy, and Dance.