The State saves the Sannazaro theater after the fire: purchase announced

The Sannazaro Theater in Naples, destroyed by a fire at dawn on February 17, will become state property. The Ministry of Culture will purchase the building and will continue the theater season, recovering an adequate space for the continuation of performances, perhaps even within the Royal Palace in Naples. This was announced by the Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, at the end of a meeting held today at the offices of the Prefecture of Naples in the presence of Prefect Michele di Bari, President of the Campania Region, Roberto Fico, Mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, the owners of the building on via Chiaia, and the theater managers. "It was a very concrete meeting - Giuli added with satisfaction - the prefect was very quick."

The theater on via Chiaia was completely destroyed by a fire that broke out at dawn on February 17. But the owners "are not selling ashes. The ministry is purchasing a legacy, a place that has a soul, a soul that, although wounded, is alive. These are not ashes but the remains of a fire from which it will rise like a phoenix a magnificent Sannazaro."

The minister emphasized the unity of intent "of the prefect, the mayor, the president of the region, and the minister speaking to you to ensure continuity for the great family of Sannazaro" because "we all want the Sannazaro to return to its theater knowing that that soul will continue to be alive and active."

At the moment, the value has not been quantified, "but we will be quick,” he added. Following this, the dossier could be handled directly by the ministry or a commissioner structure, "we will examine everything together and you will find us back here again."

When asked by a journalist about the timeline for the operation, the minister replied, "I would say yesterday."

On the stage of the Sannazaro Theater, inaugurated on December 26, 1847, the history of theater, both Neapolitan and beyond, has unfolded over nearly two centuries in a location of particular beauty and strategic placement, in the heart of the city and its elegant district. In the hypothetical album of memories, the first page could feature the meeting of two geniuses: here they met, starting a friendship and collaboration, Luigi Pirandello and Eduardo. In this hall, the comedies of Eduardo Scarpetta, those of Nino Taranto, and the De Filippo brothers were performed, but Eleonora Duse and Sarah Bernhardt also graced the stage.