I teatri del mondo classico. "Arte" del restauro tra revival, demagogia e spettacolo

Since the second half of the 18th century, the restoration of ancient buildings for public entertainment has been influenced by the needs and interests in each single historical moment: every culture reshaped the past according to its own needs. By focussing on the literature produced to support various types of restoration, this paper attempts to reconstruct the theory and practice of restoration of classical theatres, as well as the cultural, political and practical factors which have oriented it (such as the influence of other traditions, revivalism, and, more recently, tourism).