Eighty years ago, the theater was inaugurated in San Severo as part of the “grandi opere” policy pursued by the Fascist regime, based on a design by Cesare Bazzani.
The opening performance was Umberto Giordano’s *Andrea Chénier*, starring Rosetta Pampanini.
After the fall of Fascism, the theater was simply renamed “Comunale.”
In 1975, it was officially dedicated to the composer “Giuseppe Verdi.”
The theater’s interior is very refined and elegant, featuring warm, golden tones, while the exterior facades are neoclassical.
The “Verdi” is the third Italian-style theater in Puglia after the Petruzzelli in Bari and the Politeama Greco in Lecce.
From the very beginning, this San Severo institution has distinguished itself through a varied and consistently high-quality program that includes, in addition to opera, plays, musicals, revues, operettas, ballet, symphonic concerts, pop music, and comedy.
Unfortunately, over the past eighty years, it has faced difficult times; in December 2016, it had to suspend theatrical activities due to the building being deemed unfit for use and the subsequent safety measures mandated by a prefectural order.
The municipal administration took the renovations very seriously, so much so that Mayor Francesco Miglio immediately ordered the work to begin, and it was completed in just a few months.
In November 2017, the “G. Verdi” Municipal Theater was brought into full compliance with current regulations and has been granted “permanent occupancy” status thanks to the use of technologically advanced systems related to fire safety, staff safety, and audience safety.
On December 2, 2017, the theater was officially returned to the public with an inaugural celebration featuring a literary-musical recital titled “Le parole Note,” starring actors “Giancarlo Giannini,” “Giuliana de Sio,” and the “Marco Zurzolo Quartet.”
Subsequently, the Municipal Administration, together with the Teatro Pubblico Pugliese, organized a major theater season (2017/2018), featuring names such as: Lina Sastri, Massimo Ghini, Francesco Pannofino, Lello Arena, Angela Finocchiaro, Enrico Brignano, Magistrate Salvatore Cosentino, Biagio Izzo, Santino Caravella, Carlo Buccirosso, and Lorella Cuccarini.
All past and current performances have already sold out thanks to the high quality of the productions selected by the Municipal Administration.
There is also no shortage of shows and events organized by local private associations, which have contributed and will continue to contribute over the years to bringing splendor to this cultural venue.
The Municipal Administration has prepared a series of promotional items, including a special calendar that traces, through previously unpublished photographs, the history of the “G. Verdi” Municipal Theater starting from its original opening (December 9, 1937), photos showcasing the interior and exterior splendor of the building, and postcards with a special postmark.
In addition, guided tours led by specialized guides and events commemorating the theater’s 80th anniversary have been organized.

text from www.comune.san-severo.fg.it