In 1999, architect Luis Longhi undertook a bold and visionary project to transform the fire-damaged Teatro Municipal de Lima into an extraordinary venue for a staging of Shakespeare’s ‘King Lear.’ Instead of restoring the theater to its former glory, Longhi embraced its ruined state as part of the artistic narrative.
He installed a dramatic steel ramp that cut across the roofless stage, connecting the once-separate spaces of the stalls and boxes. This architectural intervention not only honored the theater’s history but also created an immersive experience, allowing the audience to feel deeply integrated into the world of the play.
The production blurred the boundaries between performer and spectator, turning the ruined theater into a living, breathing part of the performance. Longhi’s innovative approach demonstrated how architecture and art can intertwine to create powerful and memorable cultural experiences.”
