Teatro Real Borbone

In the heart of San Severo, Italy, lies a hidden gem of historical and cultural significance: the Teatro Real Borbone. This enchanting theatre, the first of its kind in the Capitanata region and among the earliest in Southern Italy, has been a beacon of artistic expression and community gatherings since its inauguration in 1819. From its wooden architecture to its neoclassical decorations, Teatro Real Borbone is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of San Severo.

The Origins of Teatro Real Borbone

The story of Teatro Real Borbone begins in the early 19th century during the French decade. The Teatro del Decurionato, which had been active since the mid-18th century in a hall of the ancient Palazzo di Città, was deemed too small and inadequate for the growing cultural needs of San Severo. In 1813, with the municipal offices moving to the former Celestine monastery, the idea of a new theatre started to take shape. By 1814, a group of private citizens, in collaboration with the civic administration, decided to transform the entire upper floor of the old decurional building into an Italian-style theatre. The citizens funded the project in exchange for the ownership of some boxes and a number of seats in the stalls.

A Grand Inauguration

After overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and political changes, construction finally began in 1819. The theatre was named after the reigning house, thanks to a positive response from Ferdinand I. The structure, costing over four thousand ducats, was completed swiftly. On November 21, 1819, the Teatro Real Borbone was solemnly inaugurated with an opera performance, marking the beginning of its illustrious journey.

Architectural Marvel

The Teatro Real Borbone was constructed entirely of wood, featuring a 120-seat stalls area, two orders of boxes (twelve in the first and thirteen in the second, totaling twenty-five boxes), and a spacious gallery accommodating 150 spectators, bringing the total capacity to 430 seats. The theatre boasted two small foyers, one for the stalls and one for the boxes, and a significantly large stage, disproportionate to the size of the hall. Originally adorned with simple decorations, the theatre underwent a major transformation in 1844 when Neapolitan scenographer Giuseppe Castagna redecorated it with elegant neoclassical gilding and bluish hangings, a prestigious intervention that cost over two thousand ducats.

Challenges and Renovations

In 1870, the theatre was officially renamed Teatro Comunale and continued to function regularly until 1882 when it was closed for not meeting new safety regulations. Between 1886 and 1887, the theatre was renovated, reopening with the same Castagna decorations but with a new imperial red color scheme. This renovation, costing around sixteen thousand lire, was a significant financial sacrifice for the municipality but allowed the theatre to resume its vibrant activities, albeit with a reduced capacity.

The Decline and Transformation

Despite various structural interventions and improvements, including the installation of an electric lighting system in 1906, the wooden skeleton of the boxes became increasingly fragile and dangerous. On January 13, 1927, the provincial theatre inspection commission declared the structure irrecoverable. The decision was not unexpected, as discussions about building a new theatre had already begun in late 1925. The new Teatro del Littorio was inaugurated in 1937. In 1934, the old building, located in the heart of the city, was sold to a private individual who transformed it into a cinema-theatre with about 500 seats, completely destroying the Italian-style hall.

A Hub of Cultural Activity

Throughout its operational years, Teatro Real Borbone offered a plethora of performances, including long opera seasons, prose shows, operettas, Neapolitan theatre, and variety shows. Its intense and high-quality activities not only satisfied the strong theatrical passion of the San Severo community but also attracted audiences from the surrounding areas. The theatre hosted renowned artists such as soprano Gemma Bellincioni and actor Gustavo Salvini. In 1877, it even premiered the melodrama Manfredi by Ferdinando del Re.

Today, while the original Teatro Real Borbone no longer exists, its legacy lives on in the cultural fabric of San Severo. The theatre's history is a poignant reminder of the city's dedication to the arts and its enduring spirit of community and creativity. Visitors to San Severo can still feel the echoes of its glorious past, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.