After stumbling across the world’s oldest library in Verona, we then discovered the world’s oldest covered theatre not far away in Trento – clearly, there’s a lot of old things in Italy.
The Olympic Theatre (or Teatro Olimpico) was built between 1580-1585. It’s still in use, and still has in place scenery from the first play performed there, Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex”. More recently, the site has been used as a film location for Don Giovanni (1979) and Casanova (2005).
Watch our YouTube video to see the Olympic Theatre
I was excited to visit, firstly because writing and the theatre go hand in hand, but also because I used to do a bit of acting back (way, way back) in the day. I like to see behind-the-scenes of any theatre, but the Olympic Theatre is a unique prospect.
A Gem from the Renaissance
The Olympic Theatre was built between 1580 and 1585, and was the final design by the famous architect, Andrea Palladino. The theatre was only completed after he died.
The scenery inside the theatre was designed by Vicenzo Scamozzi, who took over the design of the theatre after Palladino died. The backdrop works as an optical illusion, giving the impression of streets stretching away into the distance. Scamozzi also designed lighting to give the impression the buildings being lit from within.
Stepping back in time
After entering, you go underground and walk through an exhibition about the theatres inaugural production of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex.
Then, you enter the main body of the theatre.
The seats are simple stone steps, though a pile of cushions at one end suggests if you watch a play you get a comfier seat. Behind is a semi-circle of columns and Romanesque statues, with a cloudy blue sky painted overhead.
The stage is quite close, with the original backdrop still in place. It’s a pretty amazing site to see something so old, having survived the ravages of time and tide. The street illusion still stands up too. You can still watch productions at the theatre, though the audiences are limited to 400 people and there’s no heating or air-conditioning.
Sadly, this is as close as you can get on a standard visit. I would have liked to go even further “behind-the-scenes”, but given its age and the fact it’s still a working theatre, it’s understandably not possible.
Still it was a fantastic thing to see. I’d recommend it, even though I think it was as tad pricey. If you can see a show there, even better!
What do you think? Have you ever visited? Let me know in the comments.
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