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ANIMATED DRAWING - WATER
by Marco Ferro
This short story stems from the generosity of three remarkable artists.
Gyula Molnar, the inventor of immersive animated theater and a sublime pioneer of "object theater," graciously shared with us his drawings, films, and preparatory notes for "Yeti." This astonishing production, a collaboration between Gyula Molnar and Francesca Bettini, came to life in the early 2000s only to inexplicably and regrettably fade into obscurity shortly thereafter.
Fabrizio Montecchi, the accomplished director of Teatro Giocovita and an unparalleled mentor in the realm of shadow theater throughout Europe, provided us with some of his sketches and notes from the project "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea." This visionary endeavor was conceived and elaborated upon in the early 2000s but, for the time being, remains unrealized.
Lastly, Agostino Cacciabue, an artist, puppeteer, and master craftsman in his own right, as well as the founder and creative force behind Teatro Tages, contributed a photograph of one of his extraordinary puppets. However, the role of this puppet was unexpectedly "cut" at the eleventh hour, and to this day, it has yet to find the perfect stage on which to perform.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to these exceptional individuals.
A FISH OUT OF WATER
ANIMATED DRAWING - EARTH
by Marco Ferro
This story unfolds from my meeting with Soledad Nicolazzi, the dynamic director and actress at the helm of the Stradevarie Company she initiated in 1999. Stradevarie is a crucible of artistic exploration, seamlessly blending civic theater with the enchanting synergy of puppetry, music, and spoken word.
Our encounter with Soledad was to delve into the nascent Teatro di Terra, an artistic haven blossoming in Carrara's bosom, nurtured by the collective efforts of a passionate team. The troupe includes Dalia Padoa, an actress with a flair for translation; Dino Mengucci, the brain behind Panta Rei, Umbria's beacon of environmental education; Matteo Serafin, Soledad's right-hand man and the site's steward; Mariagrazia Contarini, the creative architect; Emiliana Melchiori, a wizard of social media; and Gaia Pivac, a storyteller through her photography and videography. Together, with a cadre of friends and volunteers, they are the heart of this endeavor.
The theater is a testament to sustainable creation, lovingly handcrafted from eco-friendly materials like wood, clay, and straw. It stands as a tribute to the Apuan landscape, aiming to augment its cultural tapestry while offering a sanctuary for community, connection, and the cultivation of beauty.
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