Teatro Totò confirms its position as the beating heart of Neapolitan tradition and research by hosting Vico Sirene from January 23rd to February 1st. Written and directed by Fortunato Calvino, the show stars Gigi & Ross, who abandon their usual comic tropes for a histrionic and restrained performance, delving into the most intimate recesses of Neapolitan culture.
A journey into the heart of the Spanish Quarters
The title itself is a declaration of intent: the "Vico" as the physical and human labyrinth of the Spanish Quarter; the "Sirens" as a reference to the myth of Parthenope, a symbol of a welcoming embrace that doesn't judge but embraces. Calvino draws inspiration from the legendary Tarantina, the last historical "femminiella" of 88 years, to construct a tale that eschews postcard folklore for an anthropological investigation.
On stage, alongside Gigi & Ross, is a solid cast composed of Ciro Esposito, Marco Palmieri, Mattia Ferraro, and Ivano Schiavi. Together, they bring to life a universe of "wounded souls": characters with evocative names like Nucchetella, Scarola, and Cocacola, who seem to emerge directly from a Caravaggio painting to tell stories of prostitution, loneliness, but also of unshakeable dignity.
Tombola: ritual and destiny
The dramatic centerpiece is Tombola, a secular ritual that unites women and femminielli in a game of taunts and allusions. The ninety numbers drawn from the basket aren't just a pastime, but become a metaphor for existence: a perpetual dialogue with fate in a city that can be a generous mother one moment and a cruel stepmother the next.
Through symbolic moments such as the "litter" or the wedding, the show lays bare a secret and resistant Naples, capable of integrating the "different" to the point of making it an integral part of its social DNA.
Production notes
The scenic and visual setup contributes to creating a suspended and magnetic atmosphere:
Music: Paolo Coletta
Choreography: Erminia Sticchi
Scenes: Celio Alfinito
Costumes: Francesca Romana Scudiero
Lighting: Francesco Adinolfi
Show times: Every day at 21:00 PM. There are two performances on Saturday (17:30 PM and 21:00 PM), while on Sunday the performance is in the afternoon (18:00 PM).
-
6 December 2025 - 16:54
-
11 September 2025 - 19:38
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
The show looks very interesting, but I'm not sure if Gigi and Ross can do such different roles well. I hope the story is good and the set design isn't too complicated for the audience.