The Acoustics of Ancient Theatres
International Symposium
Verona - Italy, 6 to 8 July 2022
The Verona Charter on the use of ancient places of performance. The acoustic issues in the Verona Arena project with the central stage
Mario Cognini
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58874/SAAT.2022.219
Abstract:The Charter to be found below originated in the work of experts who met in the framework of the European Network of Ancient Places of Performance (theatres, amphitheatres and circuses), which has been fostered since 1993 at the initiative of the Council of Europe. Its purpose was to promote cooperation, centred on tangible examples, among professionals active in one area or another in the life and enhancement of a heritage widely established in many countries of Europe and around the Mediterranean. Archaeologists, architects, art historians, scenographs, performance organisers, representatives of local authorities, tourism experts, economists and specialists in local development exchanged their points of view in the course of a number of thematic encounters, giving expression to an intersectoral approach towards objectives for a better conservation and use of the cultural heritage.
The Charter on the Use of Ancient Places of Performance is the result of cooperation between the Council of Europe, the European Union and Unesco. It is the outcome of a series of stages. In the first place, there was a colloquy on conservation and use of ancient theatres held in Sicily in 1995, which resulted in the Segesta Declaration.
This achievement has been amplified and enlarged upon in the framework of the Minotec project, which was launched with the support of European Union in association with various institutions in France, Greece, Italy and Spain.
The colloquy on New Technologies and the Enhancement of Ancient Places of Performance of August 1997 (Verona), following upon seminars held in Messene (El) and Lyon (Fr). The text of the Charter was submitted to the Council of Europe Cultural Heritage Committee which recommended the dissemination of the charter during its March 1998 meeting. The “European Network of Ancient Places of Performance” and the Minotec project were implemented by the European Foundation for Heritage Skills. The writer was part, as an acoustic expert, of the Minotec project and collaborated in the drafting of the paper.
Keywords:Amphitheater, Verona Arena, Verona Charter
Pages:68-71
Paper: