Dimitri Bourriau, wants to keep a photographic trace of old theaters so “nobody forgets them”
These fascinating photographs show the abandoned and crumbling theaters of Europe.
Dimitri Bourriau, 38, says he has visited over a thousand abandoned places around the world, but has a passion for former show halls.
The Paris-based photographer’s work has seen him tour locations including Italy, Belgium, Portugal and as far as Morocco.
He says his mission is to keep a photographic trace of “old theaters so that no one forgets them.”
Dimitri explains: “My series of photos ‘Innuendo Teatro’ is a series that I have been working on for six years. It brings together some of the most beautiful theaters I have visited.
“I am passionate about architecture and theaters so I combined my two passions in photographing old theatres.
“I have traveled several continents in search of abandoned theatres. I try to transcribe what I see in photos.
“Photographing old theaters is not easy, it is often very dangerous. Buildings are often in danger of collapsing. You have to be very patient.
“One of my favorite theaters is the Gran Teatro Cervantes in Morocco. It was an emblematic place of Tangier. It was abandoned for over 60 years. It was an old Spanish theater built by a wealthy merchant in 1913.
“I had come across an old newspaper article that talked about this theatre. I had no idea if it still existed. I had forgotten its existence until one day, one of my contacts in Morocco told me about it.
“I decided to buy a plane ticket and go see this theater for myself. I was surprised by the imposing size of the building. Once inside, it was extremely dark. I had to wait for the light to come in.
“There was a real atmosphere, everything was still there, the seats, the stage, nothing had changed for 60 years. Everything was covered in dust.
“I stayed several hours to visit all the rooms. It was the most beautiful abandoned theater that I have discovered.”
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