Centre stage - Málaga's Roman Amphitheatre reopens 15 September 2011

 

It’s 20 years since the curtain went down, so to speak, on the last performance at Málaga’s Roman Amphitheatre – just below the city’s majestic Alcazaba fortress. Since then major restoration work has been carried out on the ancient monument, dating from the first century AD.

Making its historic comeback on Thursday 15 September at 7.30pm, the Teatro Romano will be staging what’s been described by Málaga’s Culture Councillor, Damian Caneda, as “a simple and symbolic performance”.

The artistes taking part – all renowned Malagueños in their own right – include baritone Carlos Álvaréz, composer and flamenco guitarist Daniel Casares, and contemporary painter Andrés Mérida, who will create a work of art on stage.

Admission to the milestone performance is free, but because of its limited space – it will solely be used as a summer venue for small-scale productions such as classical plays and recitals – the amphitheatre can only accommodate an audience of 220. Even so, as long as you don’t mind standing, many more spectators can also watch the performances from Calle Alcazabilla.

MÁLAGA TEATRO ROMANO –TIMELINE

• Built in the 1^st century AD during the period of Emperor Augustus and in use until the 3^rd century.
• Used by the Moors as a quarry during the reconstruction of the Alcazaba, most of which was carried out in the 11^th century.
• What remains of the Roman Theatre was discovered by chance during work to create a garden at the Casa de la Cultura in 1951.
• The last performance prior to the Theatre’s 20-year restoration was held in 1991.
• The Visitors’ Centre was opened in 2009.