Alfred is a bird searching for a place to be. For refuge. He carries with him his one possession, a little red chair. None of the other birds will welcome him and tell him to go away! But one day he arrives at Sonia’s home and a beautiful friendship begins. A wonderful and moving story about finding home, belonging, friendship, and family told through exquisite theatre and shadow puppetry. Based on the story and illustrations in the children’s books by Catherine Pineur
Artistic Director Lynda says: “I first witnessed the artistry of Teatro Gioco Vita in 2013 when they performed at the Festival Petits bonheurs in Montreal. I wept at the beauty of their images, the use of poetic and emotion-rich text and music, and the seamless flow back and forth between the shadow puppet character and the actor on stage. This very special performance is not to be missed.”
Co-Presented with Istituto Italiano di Cultura-Toronto
Performed by Deniz Azhar Azari and Andrea Coppone
Theatrical adaptation by Enrica Carini & Fabrizio Montecchi
Direction and set designer Fabrizio Montecchi
Shadow puppets by Nicoletta Garioni & Federica Ferrari (from drawings by Catherine Pineur)
Music by Paolo Codognola
Costumes by Rosa Mariotti
Lighting design by Anna Adorno
Light and sound technician Rossella Corna
Voices of Alessia Candido, Tiziano Ferrari, Esther Grigoli & Costantino Orlando
Thank you to Lily Contento, of Royal Lepage Terreequity for sponsoring our festival flowers
Thank you to Remington North for production consulting
About Teatro Gioco Vita
Teatro Gioco Vita, established in 1971, stands as one of Italy’s pioneering entities in the realm of theatrical animation. Since its inception, it has played a pivotal role in shaping children’s theatre, offering a distinct approach to the art form and fostering a profound engagement with theatre, relationships, research, and culture. In the late 1970s, the company embraced the world of shadow theatre, embarking on a journey marked by unwavering dedication and professional integrity.
Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to excellence, Teatro Gioco Vita has cultivated a unique expertise that has garnered recognition and prestigious partnerships worldwide. Its collaborations span renowned institutions such as Teatro La Fenice in Venice, the Royal Opera House Covent Garden in London, Teatro alla Scala in Milan, and many others. Recognized by both the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities and the Emilia Romagna Region as a Center for Theatre Production, under the visionary leadership of Diego Maj, the company encompasses a diverse range of endeavors. From its engagement with schools and youth through laboratory activities to the innovative productions and research conducted at the Shadow Workshop, Teatro Gioco Vita serves as a hub for creativity and exploration.
In Piacenza, its theatres—Teatro Filodrammatici, Teatro Municipale, and Teatro Gioia—provide a vibrant space for theatrical festivals, cultural exchanges, and artistic development, both locally and internationally. Beyond its regional commitments, Teatro Gioco Vita embraces an increasingly global perspective, showcasing its shadow theatre performances across continents, from Europe to the Americas, Asia, and beyond. With each endeavor, the company continues to push boundaries, opening new horizons for children, youth, and audiences worldwide, while reaffirming its dedication to artistic innovation and cultural exchange.
Visit the Teatro Gioco Vita website
