Thursday 9 July marks the first event in the programme, which features four performances (free entrance). It begins with “Gennareniello” by Eduardo De Filippo, performed by the “Risate ed Applausi” theatre company.
The illusions of a man who, despite the weight of the years, allows himself to be swept up in a romantic courtship, putting his married life at risk. This is the plot of “Gennareniello”, a comedy by Eduardo De Filippo performed by the actors of the “Risate ed Applausi” theatre company, which will open the “L’Ora d’Aria” open-air theatre festival on Thursday 9 July – at 9.15 pm – in the gardens of the former Arena (Via XX Settembre).
Organised by TeatroCastello under the patronage of Castelfiorentino Town Council, the festival takes its name from the venue where it was previously held before the Covid pandemic (“ ‘L’ora d’aria’ in the open air at the former district prison in Castelfiorentino) thanks to an idea by Paolo Puccini, a local actor and theatre director from Castelfiorentino who passed away prematurely in 2014, with the aim of brightening up the warm summer evenings. The festival comprises four performances, all on Thursdays: 9, 16, 23 and 30 July.
The entrance is free to encourage – as noted in a statement from TeatroCastello – “participation and to enable all citizens to engage with theatre as an opportunity for socialising, culture and sharing”.
The story of ‘Gennareniello’, ideally dedicated to all men who – ever drawn to feminine beauty – refuse to resign themselves to the inexorable passage of time, unfolds on a cramped terrace amongst the rooftops of Naples. Gennaro, bored by his marital routine, begins to chat with and gallantly court Anna Maria, his young neighbour, who plays along to some extent, fuelling his illusions that he is still a charming and desirable man. Driven by euphoria, Gennaro goes beyond mere courtship, provoking a reaction from his wife. This leads to him abandoning the marital nest, which gradually prompts the protagonist to reflect seriously on his behaviour. The play is directed by Mario De Santis, Luigi Iovinella and Giuseppe Pellecchia, who will perform on stage alongside Vittorio Paolinelli, Sebastiano Palladino, Rita Giannini, Alessia Rinaldi, Maria Iandolo and Yuma.
The following events are coming up as part of the festival: Thursday 16 July, “Metamorfosi” (presented by In Onda Teatro); Thursday 23 July, “Il gioco di Nerone” (Compagnia Unicorno); 30 July, “La morte non corrisposta” (TeatroCastello theatre company)
“The ‘Ora d’Aria’ festival,” notes the Councillor for Culture, Franco Spina, “fully embodies the concept of theatre spread throughout the local area, which relies on the irreplaceable contribution of amateur theatre companies. An event created to promote theatre and also to showcase the upper historic centre, in the spirit of its founder, Paolo Puccini. A precious legacy, which the Municipality of Castelfiorentino has a duty to preserve and develop, fostering a passion for theatre amongst young people”.
