IL CIRCUITO DELLE SALE TEATRALI MILANESI DAL 1919 AL 1943: IL CASO DEI TEATRI EDEN, DIANA E OLIMPIA

The circuit of milanese theatres from 1919 to 1943: a study of the Eden, Diana, and Olimpia theatres ABSTRACT This research examines the evolution of Milan's theatre circuit from 1919 to 1943, focusing on the Eden, Diana, and Olimpia theatres. Active during a crucial period of Italian cultural history, these venues played a pivotal role in shaping the city's theatrical landscape. Managed by the Suvini-Zerboni company, the three theatres were key to Milan's theatrical ecosystem, catering to both prose performances and variety shows, as well as emerging genres during the interwar years. The research draws on archival and documentary sources to explore the interplay between these theatres and the broader transformations in Italian theatre during the early 20th century. Special attention is given to the theatres’ repertoires and the circuit shared by leading companies of the era, revealing how these venues navigated the evolving demands of the cultural scene. Methodologically, this study constructs synoptic tables (included in the appendix) that compare the seasonal programs of each theatre, based on data from periodicals and specialized press. This parallel analysis of theatrical programming and company circulation highlights the centrality of these venues in Milan's artistic life. The findings contribute to the wider historiographical debate on the transformation of Italy's theatrical system, illustrating how the development of these Milanese theatres was influenced by broader societal changes and international trends. A comparative analysis with the theatre circuit of Barcelona is also offered to contextualize Milan's experience within a European framework.