Collection of "Teatro Sperimentale" Materials

An interesting collection of materials related to the Italian artist, a pioneer in Futurist photography and cinema who also directed the experimental theater "Teatro Sperimentale degli Independenti" in the 1920's–30's. The collection includes a 6-page typescript titled "Teatro Sperimentale," with autograph corrections in Bragaglia's hand throughout; 4 original black-and-white photographs of modern set designs for Pelléas et Melisande, Oedipe and further productions; two original pastel sketches of Bragaglia, signed "Roch"; two original flyers advertising Bragaglia's theater, art exhibitions, and publications; and several newspaper clippings relating to Bragaglia's work.

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Typescript of a text by Bragaglia, titled "Teatro Sperimentale" (corrected by hand from a longer title, apparently "Il Prossimo Teatro Sperimentale di Stato"). 6 pp., in Italian, with extensive typed and autograph corrections throughout. Written during the rise of Fascism in Italy, which "gives us hope for a renewal of our theatre system," the text argues for the necessity of a new "Experimental Theater... where a movement of serious art can begin and which will produce the authors which we are lacking." Toning, creases, and wear, but easily legible and overall very good. 8.25 x 12.5 inches (21 x 32 cm).

Four original silver gelatin photographs of Futurist-inspired set designs, each labelled on the verso: "Bragaglia / Interno di Pelleas et Melisande"; "Bragaglia / Castello di Melisande"; "Bragaglia / Scena surrealista per Apollinaire"; "Pour l'Oedipe de Bragaglia." Some light silvering, overall fine. Three approx. 4 x 6 inches, one 7 x 9 inches. 

Two original black pencil drawings of Bragaglia, signed by an unidentified artist (Roch or Rochy) Their subject is identified on the verso of each. Toning; overall fine. 6.5 x 9.75 inches (16 x 25 cm).

Two printed flyers, one advertising Bragaglia's artistic exhibitions and experimental theater, the other referring to a subscription (or a decorative side featuring two woodcut figures) and advertising the publications of the Casa d'Arte Bragaglia. Very good. 8 x 5.5 inches (20.5 x 13.8 cm).

Four newspaper clippings in French related to Bragaglia's theatrical work.

A pioneer in Italian Futurist photography and Futurist cinema, Anton Giulio Bragaglia was a versatile and intellectual artist with wide interests, and wrote about film, theatre, and dance. He published two Futurist manifestos, Fotodinamica Futurista (1912) and Manifesto of Futurist Cinema (1916), founded the avant garde magazine Cronache di Attualità, and the film studio "Novissima-Film." In 1918 he opened an art gallery, the "Casa d'Arte Bragaglia", which became a nexus of avant garde artists and exhibitions. It displayed the work of such modernists as Balla, Depero, De Chirico, Boccioni, Klimt and Kandinsky. In 1922 he opened the "Teatro Sperimentale degli Indipendenti" which he directed till 1936. Bragaglia described his theories on the theater in Maschera mobile (1926), Del teatro teatrale ossia del teatro (1927), and Il segreto di Tabarrino (1933). His younger siblings Arturo (an actor) and Carlo Ludovico (a film director) were both involved in Italian cinema from the 1930s to mid-1960s. (16510)

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