Teatro Kursaal Santalucia
Stagecraft, lighting and multimedia
Projects /
Bari, Italy – 2021
Designed in 1922 by architect Orazio Santalucia in Art Nouveau style, the Teatro Kursaal in Bari has undergone major restoration work promoted by the Apulia Region and the Fine Arts Superintendency, which has enhanced its historical heritage while at the same time transforming it into a modern, multi-purpose performance space.
The new Teatro Kursaal reflects a contemporary vision of theatrical space and is open to multiple configurations ranging from theatre performances to film screenings, concerts, exhibitions and performances.
The challenge was to return to the city a theatre capable of preserving its historical value while also meeting the latest technical, technological and usage requirements.
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Stage hoist
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m² of mobile platforms
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Flexseat
Main characteristics
- Upper stage machinery: Consisting of 10 variable-speed multi-line winches, installed above the stage parallel to its transverse axis, and 8 fixed-speed chain hoists with a maximum capacity of 250 kg, freely positionable by means of clamps on the fly tower beams. The system also includes a winch for opening the Greek opening curtain.
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Lower stage machinery: The system is designed to offer maximum stage flexibility thanks to multiple mobile platforms:
- Orchestra platform: It is equipped with a mobile platform with a surface area of approximately 35 m² and can be positioned on multiple levels, from below the stage up to the stage floor, with intermediate heights to adapt to different stage configurations.
- Stage platforms: There are three platforms arranged parallel to the stage opening line, covering a total area of 43.2 m². They enable variable configurations (flat stage, tiered seating, raised platform, stage “wall”) thanks to independent height adjustments.
- Mobile stalls platform: comprising a large mobile platform with a surface area of approximately 120 m², it allows the auditorium be transformed from an inclined configuration with seats to a flat surface without seating. The stalls seats are provided with the Flexseat system, which allows them to be folded down and integrated into the floor by means of electromechanical actuators.
- Mobile balustrade : serving as a partition between the orchestra and the stalls, it can be positioned at different heights to ensure safety and adaptability. It is fitted with wooden cladding and integrated mechanical actuators for controlled lifting.
- Sistema di controllo: tutti i dispositivi sono integrati nel sistema di comando CURIO centralizzato che consente il movimento singolo o di gruppo delle varie componenti meccaniche, garantendo precisione, sicurezza e modularità operativa.
- Sipari e tendaggi di scena: Il sipario principale e il primo arlecchino sono confezionati con ricchezza del 70% in velluto foderato, impreziositi da passamaneria dorata lungo il bordo inferiore. Completano il boccascena arlecchini mobili e quinte di proscenio, confezionati con lo stesso velluto, ma privi di ricchezza e decorazioni, e una muta confezionata tesa in panno oscurante nero, composta da un fondale, dodici quinte e sei arie. Tutti i tendaggi della sala, della galleria e del foyer sono stati confezionati con lo stesso velluto, in doppia faccia o foderati, montati su bastoni o mantovane in legno, e arricchite con passamaneria dorata.
- Control system: All devices are integrated into the centralised CURIO control system (link alla pagina), which enables the individual or group operation of the various mechanical components, ensuring precision, safety and operational modularity.
- Main curtains and stage drapes: The main curtain and the first valence are made from 70% richness lined velvet, embellished with gold passementerie along the lower border. The stage opening is completed by mobile valences and proscenium wings, made from the same velvet but without any embellishments or decorations, and a stage masking made from black blackout fabric, consisting of a backdrop, twelve teasers and six sky drops. All the drapes in the auditorium, gallery and foyer were made from the same velvet, double-sided or lined, mounted on wooden rails or wooden valances, and embellished with gold passementerie.
Multimedia infrastructure and lighting
- Integrated multimedia infrastructure: The technological equipment supports a wide range of events: theatre performances, DCI digital cinema and conferences. Power Lighting Boxes (PLBs) ensure a flexible and efficient infrastructure, enabling orderly distribution of power and signals.
- Multi-point direction control and advanced lighting control: technical management is supported by multiple control stations – in the auditorium, on stage and in proscenium boxes – and by a professional Paradigm lighting control system, which allows dynamic and customisable management of stage, auditorium and service lighting.
- Lighting: The historic chandeliers have been restored and equipped with special DMX-controlled LED light sources, capable of replicating the colour temperature and output of tungsten filament lamps, preserving the original atmosphere of the theatre and integrating it into an advanced stage lighting system.
We have given the Teatro Kursaal a new stagecraft identity, combining the respect for historical heritage with advanced technological solutions and ensuring maximum versatility of use.
