Una scena da riscrivere insieme. Il Laboratorio di Prato (1976-78)

Abstract

Twentieth-century European theatre witnessed an increasing interest in scenic design. Architects and designers collaborated with playwrights and directors with increasing frequency, which deeply impacted practices of dramatic writing. The Italian scene, however, was relatively late in following this trend that was rapidly developing elsewhere. Nevertheless, the Laboratorio di Progettazione Teatrale, which was active between 1976 and 1978 represented an outstanding experience with its interdisciplinary research group. While the project was formally led by Luca Ronconi, this article aims to highlight how the contribution of different skills, especially thanks to architect Gae Aulenti, is to be considered as relevant as direction work itself, both in the design of the group’s three productions and in the concept of the whole project. 

Keywords: theatre, space, stage, audience, Luca Ronconi, Gae Aulenti.