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 powder magazine, the building's original military function. At the opening on 27 December 1971, Vinícius de Moraes christened the space with a dose of whisky and composed the song "Paiol de Pólvora" in its honour. The arena layout places the audience around the stage.

The theater stands at Largo Professor Guido Viaro s/nº in the Prado Velho neighborhood, not in the city center. The 225-seat arena has no marked rows, so arriving early helps you choose a spot. Check the program before traveling to this part of Curitiba.

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.