Inferno
A Spectacular Journey by Compagnia dei Folli
Inferno is the adventurous journey that Compagnia dei Folli offers its audience, a complete immersion inInferno by Dante Alighieri. This extraordinary performance comes to life through a harmonious blend of sensory elements: enveloping sounds, breathtaking lighting effects, the primal energy of fire, evocative music and powerful words. Everything combines to give shape to the characters of this immortal work, revealing all the humanity and passion that make them timeless.
The performance unfolds through a series of tableaux that flow continuously into one another. Visual theatre merges with the power of the spoken word and the immediacy of street theatre, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. The set is a key element: an imposing circular stage acts as a “magic box” from which the iconic figures of Dante’s world emerge in surprising and evocative ways. We see appear Dante himself, escorted by the threatening Devils, the austere Charon, the tormented souls, the monstrous Cerberus, the judging Minos, the tragic Count Ugolino and all the other characters who inhabit the circles of Hell.
The musical atmosphere powerfully invades the stage, not merely as a backdrop but as an emotional driving force. It is these sonic suggestions that move the senses of the stilt performers. Responding to the rhythm and intensity of the music, they bring dynamic, meaningful choreography to life, visually evoking the famous Malebolge and the horrors of lower Hell. Their vertical presence and their movements amplify the perception of space, drawing the audience into the heart of Dante’s descent.
The powerful imagery of these choreographies and their interaction with the scenic elements transform outdoor spaces – ancient castles, lively city squares or evocative open-air theatres – into an authentic Dantean Inferno. Every place becomes a circle of Hell, every corner a cavern, transporting the audience directly into the universe created by Dante.
The grand finale is conceived as a spectacular climax, like a great concert of emotions and light. The encounter with the imposing figure of Lucifer unleashes an impressive eruption of fire and pyrotechnic effects, a surge of visual energy marking the point of no return in the journey. From this inferno of flames and sound, Dante will begin his ascent again, a symbolic journey towards Paradise, leaving the audience with an unforgettable experience. Directed by Stefano Artissunch, who has masterfully orchestrated this complex and fascinating vision ofInferno by Dante.
