Theatre Festival in Acerra: between tradition and innovation

From September 23 to November 28, 2024, Acerra will be the stage for a unique event that combines tradition and contemporary drama. With the figure of Pulcinella as a symbol and metaphor of the theater, the birthplace of the famous Neapolitan mask will host “Dal teatro nello spazio a spazi per il teatro”, the first edition of a festival artistically directed by Ferdinando Smaldone and Giuseppe Cerrone, with the musical direction of Luigi Casa and Donato Barbato.

A rich and varied program

Organized by Aps Recitar(t)e, the festival will unfold over five intense weeks of events ranging from theatrical performances, concerts, exhibitions, presentations, workshops and shows for children. The goal is clear: to take theater out of its institutional places to give it back to the people, recalling the great authors of the past and present. Among the names on the bill are Manlio Santanelli, Carlo Cerciello, Lalla Esposito, Francesco Di Bella and Flo.

First Week: Homage to Pulcinella

The first week, entirely dedicated to Pulcinella, will be inaugurated on September 23 with a painting exhibition curated by Pina Candileno, which presents Pulcinella in a female version. The events will continue on the 28th with the show “EL ROMANCERO DE LAZARILLO” by Luca Gatta and on the 29th with the concert “PULLECENELLA LOVE” by Luca Rossi.

Second Week: Raffaele Viviani and Eduardo De Filippo

From October 7 to 13, the festival pays homage to Raffaele Viviani and Eduardo De Filippo. Between recitals, workshops, performances and podcasts, the climax will be reached with the concert of Azul (October 12) and the show “VIVIANI IN LOVE” with Lalla Esposito and Massimo Masiello (October 13).

Third Week: The Neapolitan Fable

The week from October 21st to 27th will be dedicated to the Neapolitan fable, with a journey that starts from Giambattista Basile and arrives at Manlio Santanelli. The latter will present his book “Ten ancient fables in the style of Giambattista Basile” and the new show “CE STEVE TRE VVOTE” in national preview, with Federica Aiello and Maurizio Murano (October 27th). On October 26th, the singer-songwriter Pasqà will perform in concert.

Week Four: Dramaturgy of the 1980s and 1990s

From November 4 to 10, the focus will be on the exponents of the dramaturgy of the 9s and 10s such as Enzo Moscato and Annibale Ruccello. Highlights include the concert by Francesco Di Bella (November XNUMX) and the show “SCANNASURECE” by Enzo Moscato, performed by Imma Villa and directed by Carlo Cerciello (November XNUMX).

Fifth Week: The New Neapolitan Dramatic Scene

The last week of the festival, from November 18 to 28, will highlight the new Neapolitan dramatic scene. The highlights will be the reading-concert by Flo (November 21) with the presentation of her book “La canzone che ti devo” and the show “JAM SESSION TEATRALE SULLA DRAMATURGIA CONTEMPORANEA” (November 25).

A Theatre Among the People

The festival was born from the reflection on how the public has changed in its perceptions due to new technologies and other forms of entertainment. To overcome the growing disaffection towards the theater, the organizers have chosen unconventional places such as gardens, entrance halls, streets, squares and terraces to attract a new audience. “It is the first edition of a festival that wants to bring theatre outside the theatre – explains the artistic director Ferdinando Smaldone – in contrast to the progressive loss of participation by the public. […] We try to return the favor: to lend a hand and go out into the streets to meet the people; in the hope of rebuilding a direct relationship with the public, no generation excluded”.

Collaborations and Support

“Spazi per il teatro festival 2024” is promoted by APS RECITAR(T)E and TEATRO ROSTOCCO with the patronage of the Municipality of Acerra and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage. The event is organized in collaboration with various local entities, including: L'ATLANTE, CROSS, ARCHEOCLUB ACERRA, LA CASA DI MARINELLA, LA LOCANDA DEL GIGANTE, SOGNATORI LIB(E)RI, MUSEO DI PULCINELLA, ANPI, APS LA CASA DEL POPOLO, CHATEAU, CAROFARO and BRANDBOX STUDIO.