As part of the GO! 2025 summer programme at Palazzo de Grazia in Gorizia, this enchanting show by Accademia Perduta/Romagna Teatri, conceived and performed by Andrea Lugli, is designed for families and children aged 3 and up. The production blends actor-led theatre, live puppets and captivating live music, creating a magical experience that transports young audiences to the heart of the African savannah.
Il sogno di Tartaruga — a vibrant African fable brought to life with puppets and live music
The Story — A Fable of Patience and Dreams
The animals of the savannah come to life through visible puppetry and live performance
Turtle had a dream: a tree in a secret place, its branches heavy with every fruit of the earth — bananas, dates, coconuts, melons, millet, sweet potatoes, cassava and many more...
"Il Sogno di Tartaruga — An African Fable" tells the touching story of Turtle, who shares her wonderful dream with the other savannah animals. They laugh at her. "It's just a dream," they say. But Turtle is certain: "No, I'm sure it really exists. I will go to Grandma Koko and she will tell me where it grows."
The impatient Monkey decides to go in her place — after all, Turtle is too slow! But dreams require complete faith to come true, and above all, one must not rush. Turtle knows this well. So she waits, with her legendary patience...
This ancient wisdom — that dreams need time and heart to become reality — is the soul of the fable. The story reminds us to believe in our dreams and fight for them, especially when those dreams aim at the good of everyone, not only ourselves.
A Sensory Journey to Africa
Visible puppetry lets young audiences see both the puppet and the performer
The Gorizia stage is transformed by the evocative atmosphere of the African continent, brought to life through a delicate fable about patience and faith in one's dreams.
The animals of the savannah are the protagonists of the production, brought to life through visible animated puppetry techniques ("pupazzi animati a vista") that constantly interact with the actor on stage. This visible puppetry approach allows children to see both the puppet and the puppeteer, creating a unique theatrical experience where imagination and reality merge.
A musical accompaniment performed entirely live enriches the young audience's sensory experience, featuring stirring rhythms and traditional African instruments including djembe drums and percussion. The music does not simply accompany the story — it becomes an integral part of the narrative, filling the theatre with the vibrant energy of African culture.
The Creative Team
Andrea Lugli, creator and lead performer of Il sogno di Tartaruga
| Role | Artist |
|---|---|
| Text | Liliana Letterese |
| Direction | Andrea Lugli |
| Scenography | Chiara Bettella, Andrea Manfredini |
| Music | Mauro Pambianchi, Stefano Sardi |
| Puppets | Andrea Lugli, Liliana Letterese, Andrea Manfredini |
| Narrative collaboration | Roberto Anglisani |
| Production | Accademia Perduta / Romagna Teatri — Il Baule Volante |
Andrea Lugli, the show's creator and lead performer, brings decades of experience in children's theatre. Through his company "Il Baule Volante" (The Flying Trunk), he has crafted theatrical experiences that combine storytelling, puppetry and live music for young audiences across Italy. His approach emphasises the educational value of theatre while never sacrificing entertainment and wonder.
The Venue — Palazzo de Grazia
The elegant Palazzo de Grazia, home to the GO! 2025 summer performances in Gorizia
The Palazzo de Grazia, located at Via Guglielmo Oberdan 15 in the heart of Gorizia, is one of the most prestigious cultural venues in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. Its elegant 18th-century architecture and rich programming make it a cornerstone of the city's artistic life.
The palace's internal garden transforms into an enchanting open-air theatre during the summer
As part of GO! 2025 — Nova Gorica Gorizia European Capital of Culture, Palazzo de Grazia plays a central role in hosting performances that bridge the Italian and Slovenian communities, celebrating the borderless spirit of this unique European Capital of Culture.
Weather Contingency
In case of bad weather, the show will be held in the beautiful concert hall on the first floor of Palazzo de Grazia, ensuring that the performance goes on regardless of conditions.
Event Details
| Date | July 29, 2026 |
| Time | 20:45 |
| Venue | Palazzo de Grazia, Via Guglielmo Oberdan 15, Gorizia |
| Age | 3 years and up |
| Duration | Approximately 50 minutes |
| Technique | Actor theatre, visible animated puppets, live music |
| Rain venue | Concert hall of Palazzo de Grazia |
An Educational Experience of High Value
The savannah setting introduces young audiences to African storytelling and music
The event is an artistically valuable, highly educational experience, capable of combining entertainment and reflection on nature. Through the story of Turtle, children learn about:
- The power of patience — in a world that tends to rush, Turtle's slowness becomes a form of ancient wisdom
- Believing in dreams — dreams need time and heart to become reality
- Environmental awareness — the tree in the story symbolises the source of life and the importance of nature conservation
- African culture — through music, storytelling traditions and the savannah setting, children are introduced to a rich and diverse culture
- The value of perseverance — Turtle walks, suffers and fights to the end, and her tenacity is ultimately rewarded
Part of GO! 2025 — European Capital of Culture
GO! 2025 — the first cross-border European Capital of Culture
This performance is part of the rich cultural programming of GO! 2025 — Nova Gorica Gorizia European Capital of Culture, the first cross-border European Capital of Culture in history, bringing together two countries, two cities and thousands of people in a year of extraordinary cultural events.
The show perfectly embodies the spirit of GO! 2025: borderless culture that speaks to all ages, connecting traditions and stories from across Europe and beyond. By bringing an African fable to the Gorizia stage, the event celebrates the diversity of European cultural programming and the universal language of storytelling.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Palazzo de Grazia, Via Guglielmo Oberdan 15, Gorizia
Date: July 29, 2026 at 20:45
Recommended for: Families with children aged 3 and up
Alternative venue (rain): Concert hall of Palazzo de Grazia
Don't miss this enchanting evening of theatre, puppetry and live African music in the heart of Gorizia!