Teatro Condell, Independent cinema in Plaza Victoria, Valparaíso, Chile.
Teatro Condell is a theatre and cinema hall on Plaza Victoria in Valparaíso, built by Italian architect Antonio Lafoglia and opened in 1912. It seats 350 spectators and, since 2016, has been run by the Insomnia film collective together with the Círculo de Amigos del Teatro Condell.
Designed by Italian architect Antonio Lafoglia, the theatre opened in October 1912 as Teatro Esmeralda alongside its gallery. It was renamed Teatro Comedia in 1915, then reopened on 12 May 1928 as Teatro Condell after a full remodelling and expansion. In the 1970s owners switched to rotating screenings and later VHS pornographic films.
The theatre's name comes from Juan de Dios Condell, a Chilean naval officer, and the venue has carried it since its 1928 reopening. Since 2016 it has been run by the Insomnia collective together with the Círculo de Amigos del Teatro Condell, which also organises film workshops and audience-training sessions.
The theater is located in the downtown area and is easily accessible on foot from Plaza Victoria. Visitors should check ahead for current screenings and event schedules, as they change regularly.
The 2019 renovation installed new floors, beams, and seats with backing from the national Ministry of Culture. This modernization proved the historic structure could be preserved while providing contemporary comfort for visitors.
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