The modern use of ancient theatres related to acoustic and lighting requirements: stage design guidelines for the Greek theatre of Syracuse

Place for excellence for hearing, but also for seeing, as indicated from the Greek etymologic origin “théatron”, “place where to see”, the ancient theatre presents today two sides: an architectural one, as archaeological site, and an artistic one, as place of entertainment. This double cultural heritage often generates conflict in the manner of use, so in ancient theatres the conservation rules have sometimes to collide with the intense (and often inappropriate) use during the summer theatrical season. This article presents a research conducted on the Greek theatre of Syracuse from the point of view of acoustic and lighting comfort. A parametric study realized through technical software (Odeon ® version 10.1 and Relux ® 2012) has been conducted by adding in the theatre different scenic elements to evaluate their influence on passive acoustics and solar radiation. From the acoustic point of view, the comparison between the condition with and without the scenery allows to establish guidelines for the scenic design, with the purpose of preserving and improving the original acoustic apparatus. The results have been evaluated on the base of measurements realized on-site, that allowed a calibration of model of the theatre in empty conditions. From the lighting point of view, the daylight analysis during the hours of daytime use of the theater defined potential elements of discomfort for the viewer, due to glare or high contrasts of luminance between scenery and sky: through an integrated approach of acoustic and lighting design it has been possible to solve those problems.