Politeama Sociale

In the charming town of Sassuolo, nestled in the province of Modena, lies a hidden gem of historical and cultural significance - the Politeama Sociale. This former theatre, though now in a state of disrepair, holds within its walls the echoes of a bygone era, where the arts and community spirit flourished in harmony.

The Birth of Politeama Sociale

The story of Politeama Sociale begins in the early 20th century, following the destruction of the 18th-century ducal theatre located in Piazza dell'Orologio (now Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi) in 1905. The need for a new cultural venue led to the establishment of the Società Anonima Cooperativa Politeama Sociale in 1906. This cooperative aimed to create a new theatre that would serve as a hub for various types of performances, from opera and prose to variety shows and equestrian spectacles.

The local administration, recognizing the importance of such a cultural institution, approved the cooperative's request and entrusted the project to the municipal engineer, Gaetano Malatesta. The chosen site was a former bocce court near public schools and the ex-convent of the Servites. Initially, the plan was to build an open-air arena. However, the vision evolved into creating a versatile theatre, known as a politeama, capable of hosting a wide range of performances.

Challenges and Triumphs

The construction of Politeama Sociale was fraught with financial difficulties, necessitating the intervention of the municipal authorities, who purchased numerous shares of the cooperative to ensure the project's completion. Despite these challenges, the theatre was inaugurated on October 12, 1912, with a grand performance of Pietro Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana, followed by Ruggero Leoncavallo's Pagliacci.

For two decades, Politeama Sociale served as a vibrant cultural center, hosting a variety of performances and events that brought the community together. However, the opening of the larger Teatro Carani in the 1930s marked the beginning of a period of decline for Politeama Sociale. In 1935, the municipality acquired the theatre and repurposed it as the Casa del Fascio, a meeting place for the Fascist party. Following World War II, it was transformed into a dance hall, affectionately nicknamed Caldiròun (cauldron) by locals.

A Changing Landscape

In 1964, Politeama Sociale was sold to the Banco San Geminiano e San Prospero, which later merged into Banco BPM. The bank had plans to convert the theatre into a business center, but these plans never materialized. In 2003, the municipal administration repurchased the building for €496,800, aiming to prevent further degradation and restore it to the community. Although the anticipated renovations did not take place, the theatre was briefly reopened to the public shortly after the election of former mayor Luca Caselli.

Architectural Splendor

The architectural beauty of Politeama Sociale remains evident despite its current state of disrepair. The exterior of the building, largely untouched by significant alterations, still reflects its original function as a theatre. The façade features two projecting side sections with a central terrace and a curvilinear pediment. The doors and windows are adorned with decorative floral motifs and heads, while the wrought-iron grates exhibit the sinuous lines characteristic of the Liberty style, a form of Art Nouveau known for its elegant and understated designs.

Regrettably, the interior decorations by Umberto Chicchi, which once included stylized floral motifs, have been lost over time. It is believed that during the 1935 renovations, the gallery boxes were sealed off, and the stage was removed, further altering the theatre's original layout.

A Glimpse into the Future

As of 2023, Politeama Sociale stands as a poignant reminder of Sassuolo's rich cultural heritage, despite its dilapidated condition. However, hope is on the horizon. As part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), a budget of €2 million has been allocated for the Reuse and Refurbishment of the former Politeama Theatre project. The ambitious plan aims to transform the historic building into a new digital library and municipal historical archive, breathing new life into this once-vibrant cultural landmark.

In conclusion, Politeama Sociale is more than just an old theatre; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of Sassuolo's community and its unwavering commitment to preserving its cultural legacy. As it awaits its next chapter, this historic edifice continues to inspire and remind us of the power of the arts to unite and enrich our lives. So, when you visit Sassuolo, take a moment to appreciate the storied past and hopeful future of Politeama Sociale, a true emblem of the town's resilience and cultural pride.