Before the construction of the Teatro dell’Unione Alagnese in 1900, it was customary to stage sacred performances on the churchyard with amateur actors and volunteers. Sacred texts, particularly the Passion of Christ, were performed in the middle of winter, with spectators seated on benches or chairs they had brought themselves and wrapped in large blankets. The performances, held in the Walser language, lasted for many hours. At the end of each performance, all the actors—except for the "devil" and the "executioner"—would proceed to the church for a blessing, followed in procession by the audience.
In the following years, to avoid performing outdoors without a proper public venue, these temporary theater troupes had to rely on the hospitality of local hotel owners to host entertainment and civic events.
In 1855, the Società Teatrale (Theater Society) was established, later becoming the Società Filodrammatica (Drama Society) on February 20, 1881. The proceeds from events, dances, performances, and remittances from emigrants abroad were channeled into a fund for the construction of a permanent theater. The Società Filodrammatica carried forward the initiative despite opposition from part of the population, who would have preferred the construction of new schools or the expansion of the cemetery.
Finally, in 1898, after overcoming all resistance, Giovanni Viotti, President of the Promoting Committee, publicly announced the start of construction for the Teatro dell’Unione Alagnese and entrusted the task to Pietro Viotti, who served as both the project’s designer and the works director.
The most ardent supporter of the construction and a concrete backer of the project was Michele Necer, an emigrant in Switzerland who maintained extensive correspondence, through which his desire to create a common home for all Alagnese citizens was evident. He also wished to install a social dairy for all the farmers in the basement of the Unione Alagnese, ensuring optimal hygienic conditions. Ercole Soriani, from Milan, provided the stage sets and theater furnishings. The list of benefactors grew, including donations of materials and free labor, yet a loan of £7,000 in favor of the Unione Alagnese was still necessary; this loan was repaid within the timeframe and according to the terms specified in the contract.
The Teatro dell’Unione Alagnese, with its historic and captivating atmosphere, is the perfect venue for your private events. To book the space and organize your event in this unique setting, request its use by clicking here or scanning the QR Code below.
