THE LAST CATHEDRAL

Italian Rinaldo Rinaldi one of the last set painters to produce their huge backdrops in specially constructed spaces in theatres. An excursion into the magical world of the theatre.

Rinaldo Rinaldi is one of the last set painters to produce their huge backdrops in specially constructed spaces in old theatres. Traditionally, these halls were passed on from one set painter to another but nowadays their work is increasingly outsourced. Rinaldo Rinaldi has been at the Teatro Comunale Modena in Italy since 1977 and he is passionate about his job. He loves the atmosphere of the place and is inspired by its history and creative activities. We accompany him over the period of one year during the preparation of the premiere of Figaro’s Wedding at the Teatro Bonci of Cesena. He is assisted here by students from the Bologna Fine Arts Academy. Because passing on his craft to the next generation is his other passion and urgent concern. We are there with him backstage – from the preparation to the premiere of Figaro’s Wedding. A documentary on a dying art that whisks us away into the magical world of the theatre.