The “Verdi” Theater in Castel San Giovanni offers an annual Theater and Music Season organised by the municipality.
In addition to the annual season, other concert and dialect theater performances are held.
The history of the Verdi Theater
The theater building dates back to the nineteenth century; over time, remodeling took place, changing the layout and structure of the theater, which has resurfaced with recent restorations.
Prior to its conversion into a theater, the architecture had religious functions. It was an oratory dedicated to St. Justina, probably in use by the nuns of the adjacent monastery. It was erected at the behest of id Ranuccio II Farnese, and Napoleon suppressed it in the early 19th century.
In 1822, thanks to a concession by Maria Luigia of Austria, the community was given the opportunity to have its own theater. The design was signed by the Parma-born Gazzola. The inauguration took place in 1823.
On May 21, 1841, Anna Maria Baderna, “Marietta,” a native of Castel San Giovanni, made her debut there at a young age; she later became world famous and was called ‘the pearl of dance.’
In 1927 the theater was declared unfit for use. It will remain closed until 1946. IN October work began to obtain a multipurpose building, heated and lit with electricity.
With the 1980s new works are started and since 1990 the theater has been operating continuously.
