Peter and the Wolf – A Theatrical Celebration of Prokofiev's Masterpiece at GO!2025

About the Production

A Comical Reinterpretation with a Twist

This is not your typical "Peter and the Wolf" performance. Fondazione Aida's production transforms Prokofiev's masterpiece into a brilliant comedy of errors, featuring three bumbling actors who haven't quite studied their lines! Drawing from the rich traditions of clowns and commedia dell'arte, these performers must improvise their way through the beloved story of a cat, a duck, and a wolf, constantly seeking the collaboration and help of their young spectators.

The show's innovative approach turns the audience into active participants. As the actors struggle to remember the plot, children are invited to become co-creators of the performance, offering suggestions, correcting mistakes, and guiding the performers through Prokofiev's musical narrative. This unique interactive mechanism ensures that no two performances are ever the same.

The Voice of a Nobel Laureate: Dario Fo

Leading this ragtag trio of performers is the undisputed and charismatic presence of Nobel Prize winner Dario Fo (1926–2016), one of Italy's greatest theatrical legends. Fo's recorded narration, created specifically for this production, adds a layer of brilliance that elevates the performance to extraordinary heights. The Nobel Committee recognized Fo in 1997 for his work that "emulates the jesters of the Middle Ages in scourging authority and upholding the dignity of the downtrodden."

Dario Fo, Nobel Prize in Literature 1997, whose iconic voice narrates this production

Dario Fo's narration brings new and entertaining dramaturgical elements of his own invention to Prokofiev's classic tale. His distinctive voice, wit, and theatrical mastery guide both the performers and the audience along the fairytale's path, creating moments of pure magic. The presence of Fo's voice in this production represents a precious cultural legacy, making each performance a unique tribute to one of theatre's greatest icons.

The Visual World of Emanuele Luzzati

The production features the extraordinary set designs and illustrations of Emanuele Luzzati (1921–2007), one of Italy's most celebrated artists. Born in Genoa into a Jewish family, Luzzati's artistic career began when his academic studies were interrupted by the Fascist racial laws of 1938. He fled to Switzerland, where he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lausanne, beginning a journey that would make him one of the 20th century's most distinctive visual artists.

Emanuele Luzzati's distinctive theatrical design style, characterized by vivid colours and imaginative storytelling

Luzzati's work spans multiple disciplines: set designer, illustrator, animator, and film director. He received two Academy Award nominations for his animated short films, "La gazza ladra" (1964) and "Pulcinella" (1973). His set designs graced the world's most prestigious stages, including Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Chicago Lyric Opera, and the Vienna Staatsoper. For this production of "Peter and the Wolf," Luzzati created whimsical, colourful sets that transport young audiences into a magical world where music and visual art intertwine.

Nicoletta Vicentini: The Creative Force Behind the Adaptation

The theatrical adaptation and direction are by Nicoletta Vicentini, a seasoned theatre professional with over 30 years of experience as an actress, author, director, and teacher. Vicentini trained at the Accademia Teatrale del Teatro Laboratorio di Verona and later specialised in Arte Teatro Terapia (Theatre Art Therapy) in Rome, bringing a unique depth of understanding to her work with young audiences.

Interactive children's theatre where young audiences become part of the performance

Her extensive experience includes collaborations with Fondazione AIDA as a teacher, author, and director of children's theatre, as well as work with Wesleyan University, the University of Verona, and the Museum of Modern Art Palazzo Forti in Verona. Vicentini's adaptation brilliantly balances educational content with pure entertainment, using the three actors' comic mishaps to highlight important musical concepts while keeping children engaged and delighted.

Prokofiev's Musical Tale: A Timeless Educational Masterpiece

The Story and Its Characters

"Peter and the Wolf" (Op. 67), composed by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936, is one of the most beloved works in classical music. Commissioned by Natalya Sats, director of the Central Children's Theatre in Moscow, Prokofiev created this "symphonic tale for children" with a specific educational purpose: to introduce young listeners to the instruments of the orchestra.

Sergei Prokofiev (1891–1953), composer of Peter and the Wolf

The story follows a young boy named Peter, who disobeys his grandfather and ventures into the meadow, where he encounters various animal friends and ultimately captures a dangerous wolf. What makes this work extraordinary is Prokofiev's ingenious use of leitmotifs – each character is represented by a specific instrument and musical theme:

Classic illustration of Peter and the Wolf showing all the beloved characters

A Legacy of Celebrity Narrators

Since its premiere in Moscow on May 2, 1936, "Peter and the Wolf" has attracted an astonishing array of celebrity narrators, including Leonard Bernstein, David Bowie, Carol Channing, Boris Karloff, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sting, Sir John Gielgud, and "Weird Al" Yankovic. Dario Fo's contribution to this lineage adds an unmistakably Italian theatrical flair, combining his legendary comedic timing with a genuine warmth that speaks directly to children's imaginations.

Educational Value: Learning Through Laughter

Active Musical Education

This production of "Peter and the Wolf" stays true to Prokofiev's original educational vision. The three bumbling actors' "confusion" becomes a clever teaching device, as their mistakes create opportunities to highlight and reinforce important musical concepts. When the performers wonder, "How would the wolf's character change if we assigned it to the strings instead of the horns?" – they invite young audience members to explore the expressive qualities of different instruments.

Young audiences actively participating in a theatrical performance

Audience Participation

The production's most innovative educational mechanism is its audience interaction model. Children are not passive spectators but active participants who:

• Explain musical concepts to the struggling actors, taking on the role of teachers
• Suggest solutions when the performers forget what happens next in the story
• Join an "imaginary orchestra" to explore how different instruments create character
• Reinvent characters by imagining alternative musical pairings

This approach transforms the traditional one-way performance model into a collaborative learning experience where children gain confidence in their musical knowledge while having tremendous fun.

Commedia dell'arte: A Theatrical Tradition

The three actors' style draws heavily from commedia dell'arte, the Italian theatrical tradition dating back to the 16th century. This form of improvisational theatre, featuring stock characters like Arlecchino (Harlequin) and Pulcinella, emphasises physical comedy, audience interaction, and spontaneous creativity.

Traditional commedia dell'arte masks representing various stock characters

By incorporating commedia dell'arte techniques, the production connects Prokofiev's Russian fairytale with Italian theatrical heritage, creating a cross-cultural artistic experience that reflects the borderless spirit of GO!2025.

GO!2025: Gorizia Nova Gorica European Capital of Culture

A Year of Cross-Border Cultural Celebration

This production of "Peter and the Wolf" is presented as part of GO!2025, the historic designation of Gorizia (Italy) and Nova Gorica (Slovenia) as the European Capital of Culture 2025. This marks the first time that a cross-border conurbation has been named European Capital of Culture, symbolising the power of culture to transcend borders and unite communities.

The Verdi d'Estate summer festival, under the artistic direction of Walter Mramor and organised by the Municipality of Gorizia, presents a series of open-air performances in the Palazzo de Grazia garden every Wednesday evening during the summer. These events showcase the region's commitment to making high-quality cultural experiences accessible to families and children.

The beautiful cityscape of Gorizia, known as "the Nice of the Austro-Hungarian Empire"

Practical Information

This production of Peter and the Wolf represents the very best of Italian children's theatre – combining a timeless musical masterpiece with innovative interactive performance, the legendary voice of a Nobel laureate, and the stunning visual artistry of one of Italy's greatest designers. Set within the enchanting grounds of a historic 18th-century palace as part of the European Capital of Culture celebrations, this is truly a cultural experience not to be missed.