Curitiba’s Theaters: From the Quarries to the Powder Magazine
By Sylvia Oliveira
Photos Raul Mattar
Curitiba has had a great artistic tradition for some time. Though it lies off the Rio-São Paulo corridor, Curitiba has managed to hold its own in the Brazilian entertainment category. Since 1992, Curitiba has hosted the Curitiba Festival, for example, which is a major event in the industry, with great international importance. Besides exporting excellence in cultural productions, the city boasts more than 10 significant venues, some of which are among the most unusual theaters in the world.
The Wire-Frame Opera House, inaugurated in the 90s, joins a host of creative cultural venues. Its steel tubular structure permits a transparent ceiling, and sits in an abandoned quarry. The Opera House is circular in shape and is surrounded on one side by an artificial lagoon. With a capacity of 2,400 spectators, the theater has a grand entranceway: the auditorium is acessed via a lofted footbridge over the water, producing an extraordinary visual effect, especially in evening performances.
An old warehouse built in 1906 used by the Brazilian army to store gunpowder and ammunition became the Paiol Theatre (after the Portuguese work for gunpowder magazine). It is also circular building and has unique architecture. In 1971, the city of Curitiba resolved to exploit the unique characteristics of the place by turning it into a cultural venue with a small auditorium seating 225. It was also the city’s first arena-style theater. The Theater’s inaugural event was a show by Vinicius de Moraes, one of the greatest Brazilian composers of the time, who composed the song Paiol de Pólvora in homage to the venue.
Meanwhile the bold design of architect Fernando Popp gave way to the City Memorial, in the historic center of Curitiba. It is a space dedicated to the memory, the arts and traditions of Curitiba. With a glass facade and enormous right foot, the memorial contrasts with the colonial architecture preserved in the vicinity. At the City Memorial audiences can watch theatrical and musical performances, see art exhibitions, attend lectures or take courses on art and culture, and almost always free of charge!
Service:
Wire-Frame Opera House | John Gava Street – Pilarzinho neighborhood | Tel (41) 3355-6072.
Paiol Theatre | Viaro Guido Square – Prado Velho neighborhood | Tel: (41) 3321 3300.
City Memorial | Rua Claudino dos Santos – Historical Center | Tel: (41) 3321-3313
