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 materia