
Opera House Spotlights Part Two: Ecuador
By John VandevertOpera exists throughout the world, from more traditional forms that depart from Westernized forms such as Peking opera, to more blended forms like the Zarzuela. Outside the European framework, opera has taken on an incredibly diverse range of complexions, from the Savoy opera to the Farsa. And while many more categories exist, it cannot be denied that European-styled opera is a global phenomenon. Away from the typical Western cultural centers lie an array of operatic venues that, unless one lives close to them, go unnoticed by the rest of the world. Across the globe, opera is experienced in many different ways and in many unique settings.
In this new three-part miniseries, we will explore venues for operatic theatre from the underappreciated cultural centers of the non-Western world, giving new audiences a chance to take part in the truly global celebration of opera. While venues like the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, Sydney Opera House in Australia, Teatro Alla Scala in Italy, Teatro Real de Madrid in Spain, and the Bolshoi Theatre in Russia are internationally recognized, there are more venues left undiscovered by the public. Within South America, many well-established houses exist that deserve to be known. From Brazil and their beautiful Teatro Amazonas, Uruguay and the Teatro Solís, Chile and the Teatro Municipal in Santiago, and Colombia with the Teatro de Cristóbal Colón, South America has so much to offer.
In Part One, we explored the Mongolian State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, located in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. In Part Two, we are going to South America, specifically Ecuador, to explore the Teatro Nacional Sucre in the heart of the capital, San Francisco de Quito (or just Quito). Made iconic by its white Neoclassical façade complete with columns and a tympanum like the Parthenon, the theatre is a stunning testament to Ecuador’s cultural achievements. Inside, one can find a rounded theatre reminiscent of those in Italy.
- Interior view of the theatre from the stage
The theatre was formally constructed in 1877 by German architect Francisco Schmit, but was not inaugurated for usage until November 1886. Interestingly, the land the theatre occupies was called, between the 16th-18th centuries, Plaza de las Carnicerías (Butcher’s Square), due to the presence of a meat market. Like many theatres, its life could have been cut short but various people have stepped in to keep the lights on. In 2003, the Fundación Teatro Nacional Sucre (FTNS) was created to ensure the lights never turned off in many key cultural spaces. Despite its smaller size—only fitting roughly 804 people—its acoustics are actually perfect for opera.
Performing everything from favorites like “Pagliacci,” “Il Barbiere di Siviglia,” and “Suor Angelica,” to works like “Manuela y Bolivar” by Diego Luzuriaga, the opera house seems firmly rooted in blending local and foreign traditions together. If one finds themselves in the area for an evening, it is highly advised that this theatre’s performances are attended.
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