Naples, February 17 – The historic Sannazaro Theatre, a cultural landmark in the heart of Naples, was completely destroyed by a devastating fire that erupted early Tuesday morning. The alarm was raised at 6:05 AM, and within a very short time, the theatre was engulfed in flames, sending thick smoke visible from almost every corner of the city. The incident has been described as a “bereavement” by the theatre’s owners, with initial damage estimates ranging from 60 to 70 million euros.
Rapid Response to a Critical Situation
Upon the arrival of firefighters, the situation was already critical, according to Provincial Commander Giuseppe Paduano. A resident first reported the fire after noticing smoke filling their home and then seeing the theatre’s dome ablaze from their window. This discovery prompted an immediate evacuation, rescue efforts, and the grim realization that the Sannazaro was being consumed by fire.
Lara Sansone, the theatre’s owner and driving force, along with her husband Salvatore Vanorio, expressed their profound grief, stating, “For me, it’s like a bereavement.” Sansone, the granddaughter of the legendary actress Luisa Conte, has issued a heartfelt plea to institutions: “Do not abandon us.”
Institutions Vow Support and Reconstruction
In response to the tragedy, institutions have swiftly pledged their support. The Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, who is scheduled to visit Naples tomorrow, assured that “Naples’ small, great jewel box will return as splendid as it was before. I promise you.” Mayor Gaetano Manfredi echoed this sentiment, stating, “We will work together to restore the theatre to the city.”
The Undersecretary for Culture, Gianmarco Mazzi, unequivocally declared, “We will do everything for the Sannazaro. We are here today, tomorrow, and until the theatre is rebuilt.” Efforts are already underway to secure funding, and a working group involving the Municipality and the Region is being considered to address the emergency and plan for reconstruction. Furthermore, AGIS (Italian General Association for the Performing Arts) has activated a network among theatres and private operators to find resources to support the Sannazaro. Several theatres, including the Politeama, have offered to host the ongoing season to prevent its interruption.
Investigation Underway, Damages Extend Beyond the Theatre
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which has opened a probe into negligent arson. However, Commander Paduano emphasized that it is “too early to identify the causes” as there is still significant smoke inside the building. Early hypotheses suggest the fire may have originated within the theatre itself, as flames affected the second and fourth floors of adjacent buildings, but not the third, which would have been involved if the fire had started in an apartment.
The impact of the fire extends beyond the theatre. Twenty-five apartments in adjacent buildings were evacuated, with 15 sustaining varying degrees of damage. Sixty people will be unable to return to their homes tonight. Four individuals suffered smoke inhalation, and two firefighters sustained minor injuries due to a collapse inside the theatre. While the fire was brought under control after approximately six hours, it will take time to secure the entire area and assess the habitability of all affected buildings.
A History of Resilience and a Call for Solidarity
The Sannazaro Theatre has a rich history, having hosted renowned figures such as Eduardo De Filippo, Luigi Pirandello, and Eleonora Duse. It experienced a crisis after World War II but was subsequently reborn, becoming a cherished part of Neapolitan culture.
This tragic event is not an isolated incident in Italy’s theatrical history. The Sannazaro fire joins a list of other prominent theatres that have been destroyed by blazes, including the well-known Teatro La Fenice in Venice, which burned down on January 26, 1996.
Solidarity for Naples and the Sannazaro Theatre has poured in from across Italy, including from the government. The city is now faced with the challenge of rebuilding a cultural icon, a task that will require collective effort and determination.
Source: ANSA.it
