Teatro Rojas facts for kids
The Teatro Rojas is a famous theater located in the city of Toledo, Castile-La Mancha, Spain. It first opened its doors in 1879. This theater was built where an old "corral de comedias" used to be. A "corral de comedias" was a special kind of open-air theater from the past. The theater is named after a famous Spanish writer of plays, Francisco de Rojas.
Contents
Building the Theater
Early Plans and Demolition
The idea for the Teatro Rojas started with an architect named Luis Antonio Fenech. He drew up the first plans for the theater in 1866. In the same year, work began to tear down the old building. This old building was called the Mesón de la Fruta. It had been a "corral de comedias," which was a popular type of theater in old Spain.
New Architects and Improvements
After Fenech passed away, another architect, Ramiro Amador de los Ríos, took charge. He finished tearing down the old theater. Ramiro Amador de los Ríos used Fenech's original ideas but made some important changes. He added more staircases to the building. He also made the main hall shaped like a horseshoe, which was better for seeing the stage. He improved how the different floors were arranged. Plus, he made sure the theater had good air circulation through the ceiling.
Over the next few years, three more architects worked on the theater. However, they did not change the design that was already in place.
Grand Opening
The Teatro Rojas officially opened on October 19, 1879. The very first play performed there was Del Rey abajo ninguno. This play was written by Francisco de Rojas, the person the theater is named after.
Inside the Theater
Art and Design
When you look up at the ceiling inside the Teatro Rojas, you will see beautiful paintings. One painting shows Thalia, who is known as the muse of theater. Muses were goddesses in ancient Greek stories who inspired artists. There are also round pictures, called medallions, on the ceiling. These medallions show other great Spanish playwrights. Some of these famous writers include Tirso de Molina and Calderón de la Barca. Of course, there is also a medallion for Francisco de Rojas.
Special Features
The theater has many interesting features that show its 19th-century style. The railings around the box seats are very detailed. There are also thin iron columns that support the structure. The stage opening is framed by special boxes called proscenium boxes. A very impressive front curtain adds to the beauty of the auditorium. All these details make the Teatro Rojas a wonderful example of a city theater from the 1800s in Spain.
See also
In Spanish: Teatro de Rojas para niños
