by InTrieste
In a stunning display of cultural prowess, the Rossetti has achieved an unprecedented milestone, welcoming over 200,000 spectators during the recently concluded 2023-2024 season. This remarkable feat, celebrated by both theater aficionados and the local community, marks a historic high in attendance and revenue for the theater, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of Italian performing arts.
Surpassing the population of Trieste itself, which stands at 200,947 residents according to the latest municipal records, the Teatro Stabile drew an astounding 204,282 spectators. This achievement underscores the theater’s burgeoning reputation and appeal, not only locally but also nationally and internationally. The theater’s president, Francesco Granbassi, and director, Paolo Valerio, announced these impressive figures during a press conference at Politeama Rossetti, attended by Deputy Mayor and Theatre Councillor of Trieste, Serena Tonel.
“More spectators at Rossetti than residents in Trieste,” Granbassi proudly stated. “For the first time in our history, we have crossed the 200,000 mark, reaching 204,282. This extraordinary result highlights how vital Rossetti is to our territory, but also beyond.” Granbassi noted that 15% of the audience were international visitors, while 45% came from outside the province and 33% from other regions, indicating a broad and diverse appeal.
The financial results were equally impressive. The theater shattered its previous revenue record, amassing €5,573,884, a significant increase from the prior year’s €4,762,011. This makes the Teatro Stabile the leading theater in Italy in terms of revenue generated from its own activities versus public funding.
The theater’s success can be attributed to a carefully curated season that blended high-quality artistic productions with significant cultural and educational initiatives. Among the highlights were the Italian premiere of “The Phantom of the Opera,” which alone drew over 20,000 spectators, and the widely acclaimed production of “La coscienza di Zeno,” directed by Paolo Valerio and starring Alessandro Haber.
The season featured 118 different titles and 534 performances, ranging from contemporary works to classic revivals, hosted in venues such as the Sala Assicurazioni Generali, Sala Bartoli, and various site-specific locations across Trieste. Notably, the theater managed a 10% increase in seat occupancy in the Sala Generali, one of Italy’s largest theaters with a capacity of 1,500 seats.
The theater’s productions toured extensively, with 20 productions and co-productions staged across 112 cities in Italy, garnering a total of 123,397 spectators. Significant tours included “La coscienza di Zeno,” which saw sold-out performances from Udine to Rome, and the internationally co-produced “Pessoa. Since I’ve been me,” by American director Bob Wilson, which will resume its tour in Trieste in February.
The theater’s efforts to engage with younger audiences and integrate local cultural heritage have been notable. Initiatives like the collaboration with local schools and the “Il Rossetti a Miramare” series at the Miramare Castle and Park have enriched the cultural landscape of the region. The average age of theatergoers has dropped significantly, from 55 years in the 2018-2019 season to 43 years in 2023-2024, reflecting successful outreach to younger demographics.
Looking ahead, the Teatro Stabile del Friuli Venezia Giulia is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and cultural impact. As Granbassi concluded, “Our mission is not just to break records, but to be an active part of the cultural and economic growth of our territory, and to be a reference point for an ever-growing number of spectators.”
This landmark season not only reaffirms the Teatro Stabile del Friuli Venezia Giulia’s vital role in the cultural fabric of Trieste but also sets a new benchmark for regional theaters across Italy and beyond.
Interviews: Francesco Granbassi, president of the Rossetti theater; Paolo Valerio, artistic director of the Rossetti theater.
