The Caporali Theatre stands in the historical centre of the village of Panicale and is worth a visit both for the elegance of its richly decorated interior structure and for the theatrical performances that are staged there. In fact, the theatre hosts the prose season of the TSU circuit, concerts and opera performances, events and conferences all year round. In short, it is an important cultural meeting point in the city. The theatre's history has its roots in the '’ Società filodrammatica’' founded in 1694 by a group of young Panicalesi. In 1786, the “Società filodrammatica” merged into a new society called the “Accademia Teatrale”. The “Accademia Teatrale” had a small wooden theatre built by F. Tarducci, which was called the “Teatro del Sole” (Theatre of the Sun) because of its location. In 1856, due to the progressive deterioration it had undergone, the theatre was enlarged and modified and given a new shape. The restoration project was entrusted to architect Giovanni Caproni who modified the structure by enlarging the stage, increasing the number of boxes and building a beautiful gallery with a cast iron railing above them. Alceste Ricci from Perugia was entrusted with the decorative project, which consisted of painting the wooden structure with a light varnish enriched with gilded stucco and festoons. On the other hand, the painter Mariano Piervittori painted the main curtain depicting Captain of Fortune Boldrino Paneri di Panicale receiving the keys of Perugia. The hall thus became elegant and harmonious and was opened to the public in the 1858 carnival under the new name of Teatro Cesare Caporali. Restored in the 1980s, the theatre is now in full operation. For several years now, it has hosted the Pan Opera Festival, organised by the Téathron Musikè Association, and the performances of the other associations - La compagnia del sole and the Accademia Maoliniana - which, together with Téathron Musikè, make up the inter-associative network for the promotion of shows and events. For information on programming visit: teatrocesarecaporali.it or teatrostabile.umbria.it