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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.
The 18th-century Teatro Argentina evokes glamour and sophistication with its velvet upholstery, large crystal chandeliers, and beautifully dressed theatergoers, who come to see international productions of stage and dance performances. This is one of the oldest theaters in Italy, but its foundation is ancient: it sits on the site of the Theater of Pompey, which was completed in AD 55.
The oldest English-language theater group in town has a repertoire of original and celebrated plays. Performances are usually held at the intimate 70-seat Teatro Arciliuto.
Located in Marconi, close to Trastevere, Teatro India occupies a former soap factory and showcases the best in contemporary theater from local and visiting artists. Most shows are in Italian, but they have occasional English-language performances.
Part of Rome's theater circuit, the 1930s-era Teatro Olimpico is one of the main venues for cabaret, contemporary dance companies, visiting international ballet companies, and touring Broadway shows.
