PRESS CONFERENCE @ TEATRO DELLA PERGOLA
By Kristina Rakestraw (Cal Poly State University)
The cobblestone sidewalk along Via della Pergola quickly becomes a grand red carpet just beyond the weathered and welcoming doors of building number 30. The enthusiastic footsteps of reporters, directors, and visitors scatter amongst the black-and-white patterned floor. The theater is filled with optimism as Teatro della Pergola promises to provide the Florentine community with many treasured evenings at this historic theater.
The conference on October 14th celebrated the beginning of the first theatrical season of the “Fondazione Teatro” directed by Marco Giorgetti. This Foundation will function as a means for providing theater, through plays and concerts, to the general public. The foundation is both publicly and privately funded by the Comune di Firenze and the Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze. To top it off, Maurizio Scaparro will be the artistic director of the international activities of the foundation.
For a complete theatrical experience that is both enjoyable and practical for all visitors, many variables have been raised and discussed. For example, public concern about transportation to and from the theater has led to the theater’s decision to provide a special bus to and from the theater at night free of charge for all theater guests. Beginning at 8 pm, the shuttle will leave from Viale Segni (at the corner of Viale Mazzini) and drop off theatergoers just outside Teatro della Pergola.
Now that the doors to the 2011-2012 season are open, what will take place inside? Plays will typically run from Tuesday through Saturday evenings. Tickets are affordable, with the most expensive ticket going at about 30 euros. There are other opportunities, such as a classical music concert series that will take place on many Saturday and Sundays. Don’t miss the October 22nd concert to see Accademia Bizantina with violinist Stefano Montanari and directed by Ottavio Dantone.
Next time you walk along Via della Pergola, make sure to take a few minutes to walk inside and discover the stories Teatro della Pergola wants to tell you and the rest of Florence.
To learn more about Teatro della Pergola please visit them at their website
http://www.fondazioneteatrodellapergola.it/
