Trinummus (1499)

An account of this production exists in a letter from Bembo to Angiolo Gabbrielli. Performed as part of a three-day series of plays which included Trinummus (ID 7995), Poenulus (ID 8005) and Eunuchus (ID 8013). In all the performances at the Sala Grande this year a total of 133 performers were involved, and the cost is estimated at 2000 ducats. The tribunal was nine tiers in height, rising almost to the ceiling, having been raised higher from the floor and extended further from the wall than on previous occasions. The stage was erected along the long wall of the hall (40x125 pedi) with windows facing towards the cathedral and the spectators' tribunal was along the opposite wall. Viewing was across the width, not the length, of the hall. This was normal, and was adopted in Mantua in 1501. The spectators' tribunal was surmounted by a row of columns hung with festoons of greenery and painted coats of arms. The woodwork was almost entirely covered by cloth in the three Estense colours, red, white and green. The five stage-houses painted by Fino were surmounted by merlons, which suggests that the style of the buildings was contemporary rather than antique.