Theater Politeama Greco di Lecce

HISTORY OF THEATRE AS BUILDING

The Politeama 'Greco' was born in the minds of citizens of Lecce many years before that
posasse the first stone destined to build it. Lecce deserved a great theater that uphold not just the privileged few spectators, but also the people, now conquered by love for opera and music. The dream started to turn into reality when, in 1882, Donato Greco churches to the town hall license for the construction of the theater. The Project was approved unanimously by the City Council convened by the Mayor Guariglia. Work began a few months later under the direction of engineer Oronzo Greco (brother of Donato) and continued briskly for one year. The theater was equipped with a mobile stage, which can be lowered to become one with the audience. After a sound check on the day before Easter in 1884, which left enthusiastic artists, musicians. and spectators, the official inauguration of the Teatro Politeama 'Prince of Naples' (as he called the theater in his early years of life) occurred on November 15, 1884 with the 'Aida' by Verdi and was a great success.
In 1913, major renovations were carried out: the theater, first in wood, was built of stone; the stage became fixed; was increased the capacity of the theater; were built three rows of boxes over the gallery; the ceiling was painted by the master Carmine Palmieri. Numerous embellishments were made: in particular, the room was embellished with decorations made by master painters of national fame, the old chairs were replaced with new, more comfortable, with high back red velvet, in the style of the time; Finally, in place of the existing garden was created a large foyer.
Other works were carried out in 1926 at the suggestion of the artistic director, the renowned tenor Tito Schipa and led to the creation of the 'pit' for the orchestra: well, Wagner had baptized the orchestra pit, the space excavated in part under the stage, partly below the level of the audience, from which the sound wafted perfect and harmonious, throughout the room. Previously the orchestra played at the same level as the audience.
1958 was another year of important and challenging restoration, desired by the owner of the theater, lawyer Giuseppe Greco, wealthy landowner: they were all up to date security systems, electrics and heating transformed, the latter by heating system, the system is hot air.
In 1994, the Politeama Greco, after only ten months of tireless renovations, has been returned to Lecce in all its splendor. The work followed with passion by the son of Giuseppe Greco, dr. Alberto Greco, former banker and also a patron of the arts, and his wife, prof. Ademarita Angelelli led to the renewal of the entire audience, as well as the restoration of all the ornaments and decorations of the boxes and arch scenic, and the foyer of the theater, as well as numerous technical updates. To the many tourists who return today to visit the Greek Theatre Politeama, perhaps after years of absence from Lecce, we have to see that time has made his longest history and the most beautiful theater.
In 1976, at the Theatre Politeama Greco has been recognized qualification from the prestigious Theatre Tradition according to Article .28 of the law n. 800/67.

 Later, in 1979, the theater was bound in law enforcement 01/06/39 no.1089 for the valuable historical and artistic value and has been declared a national monument.

Theater Politeama Greco di Lecce http://www.politeamagreco.it/

Source : http://www.politeamagreco.it/