Solid Theatrical Perspective: From Archival Documents to Three-Dimensional Models

This paper presents the initial outcomes of a project focused on reconstructing the set design for the 1937 inaugural opera at the “Maggio Musicale Fiorentino” foundation in Florence, featuring Giuseppe Verdi’s “Otello” with Primo Conti’s scenography. Employing a meticulous methodology and archival documents, the study addresses the geometric aspects of the opera’s scenes and their audience perception. Framed into a broader initiative, the project documents historical theatres in Florence, particularly the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and Pergola theatres, aiming to revive lost or transformed spaces using graphic, photographic, and documentary materials from historical archives. The Maggio Musicale archive, dating back to 1933, provides a wealth of set design projects. The research involves the study and critical interpretation of archival documentation for the 3D virtual reconstruction of theatres and stage designs. The project foresees augmented reality applications to implement the 3D models of historical scenes, offering a novel approach to reimagining and staging historical dramas on contemporary stages. Beyond its historical value, the research yields tools for cultural and creative industries (CCIs) and education, emphasising the integration of diverse data sources for preserving cultural heritage in physical and digital spaces. The study highlights the potential of acquired data to deepen our understanding of historical theatres and transform them into immersive digital experiences.