Theater Gobetti

The Teatro Gobetti in Turin, located at Via Rossini 8, is one of the historical gems of the city, with a long tradition dating back to the 19th century. Its history began when the Philodramatic Academy, a group of theater enthusiasts, decided to have a permanent venue. Up until then, performances were held in the private salons of the members. The construction of the building began in 1840 and was completed in 1842, with the inauguration attended by Prince Vittorio Emanuele II. The debut was marked by a tragedy by Carlo Marenco and a comedy by Eugène Scribe, which immediately set the high tone for future productions. The theater, originally known as the Theater of the Philodramatic Academics, reflected the architectural taste of the time with an elegant and functional structure. Pietro Visetti, one of the chroniclers of the time, described the ground floor of the theater as a “graceful octagonal hall,” which served as a welcoming space, a feature that contributed to creating an intimate and cozy atmosphere. The theater had a stalls and galleries, offering an excellent visual experience from any seat. In 1955, the theater was transformed into the Piccolo Teatro della Città di Torino, under the direction of Nico Pepe, and later, in 1957, Gianfranco De Bosio took over. De Bosio, a young director who would become a key figure in Italian theater, imposed an innovative and rigorous vision, consolidating the Teatro Stabile di Torino as a center of artistic excellence. It was during this period that the theater began to be known as Teatro Gobetti, in honor of the renowned intellectual and anti-fascist Piero Gobetti. The Teatro Gobetti stands out not only for its architecture, but also for the importance of its productions. Over the years, it has hosted a variety of shows ranging from classics of the theatrical repertoire to innovative contemporary productions. This variety has helped to keep the audience’s interest alive and make Gobetti a reference point in the cultural landscape of Turin. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Teatro Gobetti is its constant commitment to innovation and experimentation. This approach has attracted numerous prominent directors and actors, contributing to creating a fertile environment for creativity and theatrical innovation. The theater has indeed hosted shows by directors such as Luca Ronconi, who with his productions has pushed the boundaries of theatrical art, bringing to the stage works that explore complex and stimulating themes. Another significant aspect is the relationship of the Teatro Gobetti with the audience. Since its foundation, the theater has actively sought to engage the community, offering not only high-quality shows, but also workshops, meetings, and debates that allow spectators to interact directly with the artists and the creative processes. This openness has made the theater a place of meeting and cultural exchange, strengthening the bond between art and society. The Teatro Gobetti is not just a place of representation, but also a symbol of the resilience and cultural rebirth of Turin. After the devastations of the Second World War, which had damaged many city structures, the theater was able to rise again and continue its cultural mission, becoming a stronghold of the Italian theater scene. The restoration of the theater, which respected the original characteristics of the building, has preserved its historical and architectural heritage, while the inclusion of modern technologies has enhanced the audience’s experience. Today, the Teatro Gobetti is part of the Teatro Stabile di Torino, one of the most prestigious theater institutions in Italy. The theater’s programming continues to be rich and varied, ranging from the great classics of world theater to contemporary works by Italian and international authors. This variety reflects the theater’s mission to be a place of culture open to all, capable of speaking to different audiences and offering new experiences.