teatro colon

el teatro colon, buenos aires' opera house built in 1908, is considered acoustically to be one of the world's top 5 best concert venues. we had a chance to take a tour of this amazing structure, and learned that its eclectic style is the work of 3 architects from different european countries, each one succeeding the other after a series of deaths and even murder. 

workers were setting up for the production, el gran macabro, with a magnificent, yet disturbing set design.

the grand entrance staircase

our guide told us at one point early in its history, the building was even used as a carnival venue; it became so hot inside that workers climbed into the dome and packed it with ice. unfortunately, this treatment caused the plaster to crumble and the original decorated surface fell to the ground. it was repainted in recent decades by a local artist.

decoration above the stage

the towering levels of seating 

view from the mayor's box

exquisite attention to detail from the floor mosaics.........

....to the corinthian capitals 

i only wish we had a chance to attend a performance, as i was intrigued as to what this production would be like....

because from a closer look at the set design of this gigantic female figure - it's certain the performers would appear as mere playthings, within grasp of her fingers.......