Romolo Valli

Romolo Valli (1925-1980) is one of the main figures in the 20th-century Italian theatre and cinema.
The city was not only the place of his origins, but also the first stage for his passion: it was here, while still a student at the Spallanzani High School, that he took his first steps in theatre, discovering a vocation destined to make him famous.

His extraordinary artistic career began in Reggio Emilia, leading him to collaborate with great directors and perform in seminal works of theatre and cinema.

In the 1950s, he founded the famous ‘Compagnia dei Giovani’ with Giorgio De Lullo and other artists, an innovative theatre ensemble that deeply revitalized post-war Italian theatre with memorable productions of classical and modern works.
A refined and intense actor, Valli masterfully interpreted works by Pirandello, Molière and other great authors, earning the admiration of audiences and critics alike.

His numerous theatre roles include: Lorenzaccio, The Diary of Anne Frank, Six Characters in Search of an Author, Henry IV, The Imaginary Invalid, The Wives’ Friend, Thus Spoke Zarathustra, No Man’s Land (alongside De Lullo) and, most memorably, Before the Silence.

Beside his theatre work, Valli built a brilliant film career, working with internationally renowned directors and appearing in films that have become milestones in Italian and world cinema.
His film credits include Policarpo, Ufficiale di scrittura by Mario Soldati, La grande guerra and Un borghese piccolo piccolo by Mario Monicelli, La ragazza con la valigia by Valerio Zurlini, and above all Il Gattopardo and Morte a Venezia by Luchino Visconti, Il giardino dei Finzi-Contini by Vittorio De Sica, and Giù la testa by Sergio Leone.

Despite his international success, his relation with his hometown remained strong and enduring, so Reggio Emilia still celebrates him today as one of its most illustrious sons.

The Romolo Valli Municipal Theatre - Reggio Emilia’s historic theatre, built between 1852 and 1857 - is now dedicated to his memory and hosts opera seasons, concerts, dance and drama performances, keeping alive the artistic spirit that Valli embodied.