THE ‘CARS OF THESPIS’

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 12824, 19 August 1939, Page 6

THE ‘CARS OF THESPIS’

The “Cars of Thespis” were recently on the road again in Italy. Bearing their own scenery, troupes of actors and musicians, Italy’s travelling theatrical groups, are again touring the Italian Riviera and the Provinces, and making their way north into the Lakes region where tourists from many lands are waiting to greet them.

Conceived about five years ago as a means of carrying the cultural entertainment of such cities as Rome and Florence to Italians living in the outlying Provinces, they have become as popular among tourists as among the Italians themselves. Every stage facility known to Rome and the big cities is included in the equipment of the “Cars of Thespis;” Some have stages that can be extended to accommodate such huge casts as are needed for “Aida.” Others are equipped with a device known as the “Fortuny Cupola”—a sheet of canvas which when billowed out by air pressure is used with coloured lights and sci’eens to produce cloud effects, night scenes and thunderstorms. Crews of technicians accompany the “Cars of Thespis” and within a few hours the stage is up, the seats are set out in the open, and the performance is ready to go

Italian light comedy is invariably in the repertoire of the “Cars Of Thespis.” Actors popular in Rome and Venice are often included in the. summer casts, and if it happens that th6y have engagements in the cities, or in some other, part of Europe, they will frequently keep their engagements with the travelling theatre by plane or train. Last year, the operatic casts included Beniamino Gigli and Cigna Gina. The price of admission does not exceed sixpence. As many as 2,000 people can be accommodated at special performances. Add no matter how great the demand for additional performances whether 'at Lake Como, Rimini or Amalfi—the “Cars of Thespis,” like the circus, move on.