Dear SM,

Thank you for your reply. Before I posted my question, I researched Wikipedia and English language sites about Venice. When I found no mention of the theatre or of current performances there, I feared that it might no longer exist. Now, with the information you’ve given me, I was able to add “1715” to my Google search, and I found this article in Italian: http://smac.provincia.venezia.it/teatri.html. I see that the author writes of the ”famiglia Grimani di Santa Maria Formosa” that opened three theatres. The article continues, ”Tuttavia la crisi economica non risparmiò neanche la potenza economica dei Grimani, che nel corso del ‘700 si videro costretti a chiudere il SS.Giovanni e Paolo (1715), ormai vecchio e bisognoso di costosi restauri, e a ridurre l’attività negli altri due.”

This was just the thing I was looking for (though, of course, I would have preferred to learn that the theatre is still around). I appreciate your research efforts on my behalf!

Dear Ola,

You are very kind to undertake such research on my behalf. In my reply to another 43place member who was able to supply me with the date that the theatre closed, I stated that I researched Wikipedia and English language sites about Venice, before posting the question. I, like you, found information about the church with the same name. I wonder if the theatre was built adjacent to or very near the church.

This year, I’ve become quite passionate about the 3 extant operas (out of a total of about 18 composed) by Claudio Monteverdi. In 4 days, I will see L’Incoronazione di Poppea here at the Los Angeles Opera. In anticipation, I got curious about the site of its premiere. His first opera L’Orfeo was also first performed at the Teatro di Santi Giovanni e Paolo. I have been to the Pitti Palace in Florence, where Il Ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria was first staged. If I ever get to Venice, I’ll have to be content just to wander around the neighborhood of the former theatre.

Thank you for your reply, for the information and the links.