| São Luís - Historical Buildings - Arthur de Azevedo Theatre |
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Arthur Azevedo Theatre |
One of the oldest theatres in Brazil, Arthur Azevedo Theatre was idealized by rich
portuguese traders, in the beginning of the 19th century, who insisted in construct a show house in the city. The works of the
imponent building started in 1815 and soon after already caused polemic.
At that time, Carmelite friars from Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church, located in the
neighborhood, protested and succeeded in embargoing the work. The church representatives couldn’t bear a show house in the sanctuary surroundings.
After several debates, the question was solved when it was decided that the front of the theater wouldn’t face Largo do Carmo, where the church
was, but to Rua Sol.
So, in 1816 December 1st, Arthur Azevedo Theatre opened its doors to the public for
the first time, but it was officially inaugurated only in 1817 June, with União Theatre as its name. A prosperous period followed, where the shows
of the best european companies were presented.
However, the bad administration made it close, in 1848, being reopened four years
later with the name of São Luís Theatre. Only during the 20’s the space passed to be called Arthur Azevedo, homage to the writer who contributed
with important plays to the brazilian theater acting.
Arthur Azevedo Theatre is also famous for seating irreverent facts, like the birth
of Maranhão’s actress Apollonia Pinto in one of its dressing rooms and the first masked ball of São Luís. It faced several crisis during its
almost 200 years of existence, even running as a movie theater for a short period.
After the last restoration, in 1993, Arthur Azevedo Tehatre resized the main floor
and now offers comfort for up to 750 people. The stage was enlarged and modernized, without counting the illumination, sound and ventilation
systems. Today, the ticket window is equipped with computers. Arthur Azevedo Theatre also has a souvenir store, where art objects are sold.
Address: Rua do Sol, no number
Phone/Fax: 55-98-221-4587 / 232-0299 |
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