OMA: scenography for greek theatre in syracuse

'scenography for the 48th cycle of classic drama at the ancient greek theatre of syracuse' by OMA, italy
image © OMA


dutch practice OMA has recently completed the scenography of three temporary architectural devices that reinterpret the spaces of the theatre
which dates back to the 5th century BCE, located in syracuse, italy. the interventions are dramatically exploited and adapted at strategic moments
within the 48th summer's cycle of plays staged by the istituto nazionale del dramma antico, which also includes 'euripides' bacchae' directed by
antonio calenda and aristophane's 'the birds', directed by roberta torre.



'the ring' and 'the raft'
image © OMA


the first intervention, 'the ring', is a suspended walkway that completes the semi-circle of the terraced seating, encompassing the stage and the backstage,
which gives the actors an alternative way of entering the scene. the machine is a fully adaptable backdrop for the plays:
a sloping circular platform, seven meters high, mirroring the amphitheater. it rotates, symbolizing the passage of 13 centuries during prometheus's torture;
split down the middle, it can also be opened, allowing an entrance for the performers, and symbolizing dramatic events like prometheus being swallowed
in the bowels of the earth. 'the raft', a circular podium for the entertainers, re-imagines the orchestra space as a modern thymele,
the altar that in ancient times was dedicated to dionysian rites.



performance at night
image © OMA


project info:

location: teatro greco, syracuse, italy
project: scenography for the 48th cycle of classic drama at the ancient greek theatre of syracuse
status: completed
client: istituto nazionale del dramma antico
program: adaptable stage set for three classic dramas
materials: aluminum scaffolding and ultilayer marine plywood
credits: partner-in-charge: rem koolhaas
associate-in-charge: ippolito pestellini laparelli
team: francesco moncada, miguel taborda, barbara materi