EBN-The International Theatre Institute (ITI) was established in 1961 to celebrate World Theatre Day globally. It hosts an annual message by a renowned theatre artist, translated into over 50 languages and published in newspapers. With over 85 centers worldwide, the ITI encourages colleges, schools, and theatre professionals to celebrate this day, highlighting the importance of theatre.
An exploration of world-renowned theaters
Theaters are integral to a city’s culture, history, and psyche, often serving as national landmarks or symbols. They are often as famous as the actors and singers who perform, and their stories can be heard during travels, whether watching a play or opera.
Teatro La Fenice
Teatro La Fenice, an opera house in Venice, features a dazzling interior with ceiling paintings and candle-like lights. With 1,000 seats and five balconies, it offers live opera performances with world-class acoustics. Guided and audio-guided tours are available.
Bolshoi Theatre
The Bolshoi Theater, renowned for its classical Russian architecture, was completed in 1824 and serves as Russia’s national theater. It features a white stage with intricate details.
Teatro Colón
Buenos Aires’ Teatro Colón, built in 1908, is a magnificent seven-story building with excellent acoustics and is considered one of the world’s finest theaters. It features sumptuous red velvet, gilded furnishings, ornate carvings, and stained glass. A guided tour takes visitors through the atrium, Golden Hall, and behind-the-scenes areas of artists’ dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, and costume shops.
Victoria Theatre
Singapore’s Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, built in 1862, is a landmark with a neoclassical facade. Originally a Town Hall, it was converted into a memorial hall in 1901 in Queen Victoria’s honor. The hall, now a 614-seat theater and concert hall, hosts classical concerts, film, theater, and dance, and is home to major events like the Singapore International Piano Festival.
Grand Theatre of the Liceo
The Gran Teatre del Liceu, a symbol of Barcelona, has been destroyed twice by fire. Tours showcase its marble staircases, ornate columns, Florentine-style lobby, and Hall of Mirrors. The main auditorium, inspired by Milan’s La Scala Theatre, seats 2,292.
Manoel Theatre
The Manoel Theatre, built in 1731 by Grand Master Anton Manoel de Vilhena, is one of the oldest operating theaters in the world. Located in Valletta, it features an ornate Rococo interior with a light blue trompe l’oeil ceiling and a glittering chandelier. The theatre hosts contemporary and classical performances and is home to the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.
