Page 200 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Milan & The Lakes

198  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

Opera, Theatre and Cinema The Litta, in Corso Magenta, is
an elegant theatre that usually
The theatre season in Milan is undoubtedly one of the best and presents classic 20th-century
most varied in Italy. Visitors interested in a specific performance plays. Another fascinating
(especially if it is being put on in a well-known theatre such as theatre is the Teatro Franco
the Scala or the Piccolo) should book well in advance, either Parenti, which has a seating
directly through the theatre box office or by contacting one capacity of 500. The programme
is quite varied, with particular
of the booking agencies in the city centre (see p195). attention being paid to new
For those who prefer films to the stage, Milan has a great international works and music.
number of cinemas. A bonus is that new releases are shown in The small, intimate
Milan ahead of most other Italian cities. Many of the cinemas Filodrammatici, next to La
are multiplexes with plenty of screens, and the majority are Scala, presents a repertoire
concentrated in the city centre. Foreign-language films are of classical works that also
includes contemporary plays.
also screened at some cinemas on specific days of the week. The Nuovo, with its 1,020
seats, presents different kinds
of theatrical productions,
Opera, Ballet & Theatre comedy, that always attracts including musicals, comedies
It would be a shame to leave top-level directors and actors. and dance, usually with famous
Milan without having seen an Another historic theatre is the actors. The Teatro Dal Verme
opera at La Scala (see pp54–5). Carcano, first opened in 1803. is also worth checking out.
The opera season begins on It was restructured in the 1980s
7 December, the feast day of and has a capacity of 990
Sant’Ambrogio, the city’s patron people. Its repertoire is classical, Cinemas
saint. Lovers of ballet and and dance is sometimes offered Most of the leading cinemas
classical music can also enjoy as well. For comedy, head for in Milan are concentrated in
performances of the highest the Ciak, which usually stars the city centre, around Corso
level from the theatre’s ballet leading comic actors. Vittorio Emanuele II. Most of
company and Filarmonica For lovers of experimental these are multiplexes, which
orchestra. It is important to and avant-garde theatre there means there is plenty of choice.
book as far ahead of perfor- are the Teatro Elfo Puccini Ticket prices are reduced on
mances as possible, because, and Teatro Leonardo theatres, Wednesday evening and in
inevitably, there is much which are dedicated to almost all cinemas on weekday
competition for seats at one performing original works after noons as well. When
of the world’s most famous that are always fascinating popular new films are being
opera houses. and thought-provoking, shown there are always long
Another prestigious theatre and may sometimes shock. queues, so be sure to go early.
venue is the Piccolo Teatro The Out Off is also dedicated Most non-Italian films are
Grassi. Founded just after World to avant-garde productions. dubbed into Italian and
War II by Giorgio Strehler as “an Milanese experimental presented without subtitles, so
arts theatre for everyone”, its theatre is performed at the they will be difficult to follow
productions are known for their CRT Teatro dell’Arte, which for anyone unfamiliar with the
excellence. The Piccolo Teatro has a seating capacity of 800. language. Visitors who want to
Strehler, opened in 1998, was The San Babila theatre see a film with the soundtrack
dedicated to the maestro, who offers a programme of more in the original language (in
had planned a state-of-the-art traditional theatre. Here lingua originale) can try Anteo
theatre worthy of his company’s the fame of the directors Spazio Cinema on Mondays,
quality productions for over 40 and actors attracts a large or Arcobaleno on Tuesdays,
years. The theatre, with a seating number of spectators, so Mexico on Thursdays or the
capacity of 974, hosts the major that getting hold of a ticket Odeon The Space Cinema,
Piccolo Teatro productions. may be difficult. where they have all-day
The Piccolo Teatro Studio One of the largest theatres showings of films in the original
was originally meant to be a in Milan is the Teatro language on Mondays.
rehearsal hall for the Piccolo Arcimboldi, which can seat The Teatro alle Colonne,
Teatro, but later became an 2,346 people. Besides famous with 170 seats, promotes
independent company. musicals, it plays host to dance various cultural events and
Though interesting from an performances, straight theatre programmes, such as the
architectural standpoint, it is and concerts. African Cinema Festival. The
not all that comfortable. The Teatro Nazionale always Auditorium San Fedele is
The Manzoni, a favourite with features famous actors and has the home of three film clubs
the Milanese, presents a very been concentrating more and which offer different screening
eclectic programme, ranging more in recent years on dance schedules and subject matter.
from musicals to drama and and operettas. The Odeon The Space Cinema,

198-199_EW_Milan.indd 198 20/10/16 3:20 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm