Sunday 31 October at 10.00.
‘Behind the curtains of an emotion’
The route chosen by Spoleto for the 18th National Urban Trekking Day is a special and unusual exploration of the relationship between the city and the theatre, investigated from a particular perspective. A narrative of little-known facts told through popular and singular characters from Spoleto’s recent past.
A journey of discovery that takes place “behind the scenes” of the theatre (understood both as an artistic and representative form and as a physical and architectural place), in the company of more or less famous Spoleto inhabitants who have inextricably linked their name to it. A journey to get to know better aspects of a long and glorious theatre tradition, with particular regard to the Spoleto workers, as well as unpublished views, particular perspectives and unusual details of the three magnificent theatres of Spoleto.
We will visit the Roman Theatre and listen to the fascinating story of this important building from the 1st century BC, brought to light in the 1930s, but rediscovered in curious circumstances at the end of the 19th century thanks to the sagacity and passion of the eminent archaeologist from Spoleto, Giuseppe Sordini.
We will take a look at the Teatro Nuovo Gian Carlo Menotti and remember the many anecdotes of the production of the shows, the personalities of the actors and directors involved in the making of the shows, thanks to episodes in which the many stagehands and technicians of the theatre, such as Vittorio Petessi, were protagonists or simple observers. These formidable craftsmen from Spoleto gave life, right from the early years of the Festival dei Due Mondi, to a group of nationally celebrated workers who were able to make an important contribution to the Italian stage machinery.
We will have exceptional access to the various places on the stage of the Caio Melisso Theatre – Spazio Carla Fendi (a seventeenth-century jewel among the oldest theatres in Italy) to discover the secrets and behind the scenes. There will also be a surprise: we will celebrate Alberto Talegalli, the most famous Spoleto actor in the 1950s, in theatre, radio, cinema and television. Alberto Talegalli was a skilful actor and screenwriter, a fine humorist, creator and interpreter of the character of Sor Clemente, a memorable mask in many hilarious sketches that are part of the collective imagination of those years.
SCHEDULE| Sunday 31 October
h 10.00 – Meeting in piazza Libertà, access to the Roman Theatre: history of the theatre and its archaeological and artistic events.
h 11.00 – Continuation of the trek in the direction of the Teatro Nuovo and reenactment of some episodes related to the backstage of the shows and the role of the technicians and workers.
h 12.00 – Continuation towards Piazza Duomo and visit to the Caio Melisso Theatre with exceptional access to some of the stage areas. For the occasion, Fausto Manasse’s reading will celebrate the figure of Alberto Talegalli.
Reservation mandatory:
Ufficio IAT Spoleto – 0743 218620 – info@iat.spoleto.pg.it
The event is organised in compliance with the anti-Covid19 regulations.
