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One of the pleasures of Rome is seeing a performance in one of the city's stunning venues, ancient or modern. This is the city where you might experience classical opera performed in the 3rd-century-AD Terme di Caracalla, or enjoy an experimental dance show in the postindustrial detergent factory Teatro India, or see a contemporary performance at the Renzo Piano–designed Auditorium Parco della Musica.
In summertime, most of the performing arts events move outdoors–-any public space is fair game. Keep an eye on the Estate Romana www.estateromana.comune.roma.it to find out what's happening in Rome on any night of the week. There is enough entertainment in Rome to take your breath away, in any season and in any location.
One of the most commercial and central theaters in the city, Barberini is guaranteed to have at least one film on offer in its original language. It is the best and most comfortable place to watch the latest Italian films and international blockbusters (without dubbing) or to view a recorded opera or ballet on one of its screens.
In summer, the 3rd-century-AD Baths of Caracalla are the spectacular backdrop for the Teatro dell'Opera's ballet and opera series. Aida is the most sought-after performance, thanks to its melodramatic flair and amazing props. The impressive productions keep the traditional sonatas and musical numbers untouched while incorporating contemporary elements into each show, including stage design that sometimes uses projections atop the ancient ruins.
