“Why piccolo?” a visitor once asked. The Piccolo Teatro Strehler stands before us. Its story is one of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to bringing theater to all.
Founded in 1947 after World War II, the Piccolo Teatro aimed to create an artistic space for everyone. It didn’t matter your social class. It didn’t matter how much money you had. Paolo Grassi, his wife Nina Vinchi, and Giorgio Strehler founded it. Strehler was a legendary director.
The Milan city council transformed Cinema Broletto into the Piccolo Teatro. The city managed it directly. The first performance was on May 14, 1947. It was “The Lower Depths” by Maxim Gorky. Affordable tickets and risky productions became its trademark. The Piccolo Teatro revitalized interest in Italian stage classics. The company became known for Carlo Goldoni, Luigi Pirandello, and Bertolt Brecht.
In 1991, it became Italy’s First Permanent Theatre and a European Theatre. The Piccolo is split into three halls. There is Teatro Grassi. This is its historical seat. Teatro Studio Melato focuses on experimentation. It also hosts the Luca Ronconi Theatre School. Then, there is the main seat. This is the majestic Teatro Strehler.
Marco Zanuso designed Teatro Strehler. It opened in 1998. It is near the Sforza Castle and Sempione Park. It is one of Italy’s most important stages for prose theater today. The playbill features world-class authors, directors, and actors.
The Piccolo Teatro has produced over 400 shows. Strehler brought Bertolt Brecht’s works to Italy. He revived modern versions of Shakespeare and Goldoni. Prose and dance performances alternate. There are also film festivals, meetings, and exhibitions.
The name “Piccolo” means “small”. The first venue was small. It had around 500 seats. It is also a tribute to the Malyj Theatre in Moscow. Malyj means “Small”. The Bolshoi Theatre is the “Big” Theatre.
Between 2008 and 2009, the historical venue was renovated. The hall has 488 seats. The stage became more functional.
The Piccolo Teatro remains a benchmark for intellectuals. Its commitment to accessibility and artistic excellence has shaped Italian theater. As you leave, remember the Piccolo’s mission. It’s about making theater a shared experience for all.