New Topkapi. Lido di Spina, Ferrara

photography | archival print/Hahnemuhle Paper Photo Rag Matt | 2014/2015
variable sizes / ed. 5 + 2 a.p.

The Topkapi was the symbol of entertainment on the beach resorts (lidi) of Comacchio and could hold up to 5,000 people. Among the illustrious guests to remember are Ray Charles with his double concert and his 30-piece orchestra, and Charles Aznavour. Already in '93 its decline began. It tried to reinvent itself and in '94 the Topkapi changed its name to Evento. Later, in '98-'99, for a single season it became "Controevento". In the 2000s, in the last stage of its existence, it took the name "New Topkapi". Its golden years were close to the end and the emerald, the symbol of the venue, at the centre of the hall had been replaced by a starfish.