Magic of the Theatre (Sabbioneta, 10/10/09-12/31/09)

La Magia del Teatro. La Tecnologia Teatrale Barocca in Europa
Sabbioneta, Ducal Palace - from Oct. 10, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2009

“Magic of the Theatre–Baroque Stage Technology in Europe” is the title of a travelling exhibition that was on display in Bayreuth (Germany), Ludwigsburg (Germany), Stockholm (Sweden), and Copenhagen (Denmark).

"The exhibition focuses on the Baroque stage machinery that was the standard equipment for theatres throughout Europe for almost 300 years, until the end of the 19th century. Its main effect is to change the entire decoration on stage in a matter of seconds – by using only hemp ropes, wooden carriages, drums and rolls. But there are also flying machines, heavens of clouds, the ocean with its waves, and much more, all moving across the stage as if guided by ghosts. Thunder, rain, and wind, produced by baroque sound machines, add the necessary sound track. A highlight: the effects are not only properly explained, the visitor can also try them out himself!

Finally the exhibition presents those historic theatres in Europe where the baroque stage machinery has been preserved till today." [PERSPECTIV - Association of Historic Theatres in Europe]

* The Ancient Style Theatre of Sabbioneta is part of "The Italian Route". "The Italian Route of the "European Route of Historic Theatres" runs through Northern Italy, the only region in the world where one can follow the history of theatre from the Renaissance to the 19th century."