Testori Theatre

The Giovanni Testori Theatre, formerly known as ‘Teatro dell’Arca’, is a multifaceted cultural hub in the heart of Forlì. For decades, it has offered a range of proposals from theatre plays to shows dedicated to schools and families, from dance to workshops, from exhibitions to concerts and events. It is also the headquarters of Elsinor Teatro Stabile d’Innovazione, the first Italian interregional centre dedicated to theatre production and programming. Founded in the 1970s, the Testori Theatre has always been a benchmark for the city’s culture, hosting important national and international companies and artists. The house company contributes to the creation of numerous new theatre productions, constantly enriching the local cultural scene. The theatre’s structure was obtained from an old craft warehouse, as can still be seen in the exterior architecture. In 1995, Forlì architect Raoul Benghi led a radical restoration of the hall. During this intervention, old artefacts that limited the space were removed, revealing a more interesting volumetric perspective. One of the most significant aspects of the restoration concerns the public space. The original structural features were restored, including the recovery of the original space through the removal of the attic and wall coverings. The walls of the hall were covered with warm exposed brick, creating a cosy and authentic atmosphere. In addition, metal-laminated walkways were added, which cross the volume of the hall in different directions. These walkways not only have a technical function, but also suggest the idea of ‘infinite paths’, facilitating communication between the audience and the stage space, between the spectator and the actor.