Teatro Dimitri

Teatro Dimitri is a theatre in the village of Verscio in the Swiss canton of Ticino, founded in 1971 by the clown Dimitri and his wife Gunda. What began as a small stage in a cluster of old houses grew into a place that combines performances, a theatre school and a museum of comedy.

How did the theatre in Verscio begin?

In 1971 Ticino had no permanent theatre. Dimitri found a small complex of three old houses in Verscio with a large cellar and built his first stage there. The original auditorium held only about 100 seats, which gave evenings an intimate, close-up feel. Dimitri, one of Switzerland's best-known clowns, was born in nearby Ascona.

What is the school attached to the theatre?

A school grew up alongside the theatre and is now known as the Accademia Dimitri. Sources disagree on its founding date: one gives 1974, while the school's own history page says 1975. Its co-founders included Dimitri, Gunda and the Czech mime Richard Weber. The teaching blended traditions of theatre and circus art, from commedia dell'arte and the comic acts of the clown to pantomime and dance, with a focus on comedy and clowning.

In 2006 the school became an affiliate of SUPSI and launched a BA in physical theatre. The emphasis shifted from the old "school for clowns" tradition toward physical theatre. In 2015 it took the name Accademia Dimitri.

What else is there in Verscio?

In 1978 the production company Compagnia Teatro Dimitri was founded. In 2000 Dimitri opened the Museo Comico, created with his friend Harald Szeemann, who arranged the displays. The museum is on the first floor of the theatre, spread across four rooms, and shows more than 600 pieces from around the world.

Who is it for?

• Fans of physical theatre, mime and circus who want to see a place important to the European clown tradition.
• Anyone curious how performers of physical theatre are trained.
• Travellers around Ascona and Locarno looking for a cultural stop beyond the lake and mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Teatro Dimitri? The clown Dimitri and his wife Gunda, in 1971.

Where is it? In Verscio, canton of Ticino, Switzerland, in the Locarno and Ascona area.

Is there a museum in the building? Yes, the Museo Comico on the first floor, opened in 2000.

Is there a school? Yes, the Accademia Dimitri, which offers a BA in physical theatre among other programmes.

How many seats did the first auditorium have? About 100. Check the current capacity, museum opening hours and programme with the venue before visiting.