Paolino Libralato retrospective 'Fare scena' opens at Villa Badoèr in Fratta Polesine

The Fondazione Aida has organized the exhibition 'Fare scena' at Villa Badoèr in Fratta Polesine, honoring Paolino Libralato (born 1958 in Noale), one of Italy's most important set designers. Libralato has collaborated with prestigious international theaters and institutions such as La Scala in Milan, the New National Theatre in Tokyo, and the Opéra de Paris, as well as directors and set designers including Bob Wilson, Beni Montresor, and Jérôme Savary. The exhibition runs until August 16, 2026. In an interview, Libralato discusses his philosophy: set design merges art and technique, requiring soul to avoid being a mere reproducer. He emphasizes the importance of copying masters like Canaletto and Mantegna as a way to learn technique and enter the 'texture of color.' He criticizes computer-generated sketches for lacking expressiveness and ideas, preferring hand-drawn bozzetti. He values detail, using multiple shades of blue to achieve a single blue. Libralato sees set design as a 'toy' that is ephemeral, knowing it will be destroyed after the performance. He prefers painting landscapes, especially trees, and believes technology should be used with conscience and visual culture. The exhibition celebrates the wonder of set design and the Baroque theme of astonishment.