Teatro Paiol, Circular theater in Curitiba, Brazil.
Teatro Paiol is a circular theater in the center of Curitiba, Brazil, housed inside a 19th-century military building listed as a heritage site. The seating wraps all the way around a central stage, so no seat in the house sits far from the action.
The building was erected in 1874 as an ammunition depot for the Brazilian Army and remained in military use for nearly a century. In 1971 it was converted into a theater, making it one of the early examples of a military structure being repurposed for the arts in the region.
The name "Paiol" comes from the Portuguese word for a barn or storehouse, and this origin is still visible in the thick walls and round shape of the building. Today, audiences sit in a full circle around the stage, which gives every seat an equally close view of the performance.
The theater sits on Praça Guido Viaro in central Curitiba, within walking distance of many city center points. Because seating is limited, it is worth checking what is on before you go and arriving a little early to settle in.
The first event held after the theater opened was a concert by Vinicius de Moraes and Toquinho, two of the most recognized names in Brazilian music. That opening choice set the tone for a program that has leaned toward live music and performing arts ever since.
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