Meetings of theatre and popular music, internationally renowned storytellers and Russian puppets, aerial dances and acrobatic performances, crafts and street food. Preparations are in full swing for the next edition of “In/Canti e Banchi”, a street theatre festival scheduled to take place in Castelfiorentino from 23 to 25 May, for which a number of novelties are planned that, in the intentions of the Municipal Administration, should give one of the most eagerly awaited events of the summer season a leading role “in the structuring of a cultural brand for the city, as a garrison in the sphere of theatre culture”.
Right from the festival’s opening night, a “magical Membrino in a mask” will lead the local music, accompanying the public as they immerse themselves in the whirlwind of shows and animations, while the ancient streets of the village, festively lit up, will be literally invaded by storytellers and performances by acrobats, street artists and aerial dancers. There will be touring and stationary shows, involving young and old through surprising, playful and stimulating artistic content.
The squares will be alive with a market of traditional Valdelsa street food, alternating gastronomic stands with more contemporary and experimental proposals. There will also be a Sunday dedicated to the markets located within the ancient walls and in the gardens with antiques, typical handicrafts, and precious smallwares, enlivened by a theatre marathon of local companies that will enliven the alleys and the most evocative corners of the ancient village with unprecedented performances. A number of events involving the students of Castelfiorentino schools and others organised by local cultural associations will complete the programme.
“In/Canti e Banchi is a story”, stresses Culture Councillor Franco Spina, “to be told, invented, continued. A story of community for the community, which is generated in the street, a great educator of gestures and language. A bridge between tradition, wonder, nostalgia, visions, different voices, sounds, faces. It is the image of a distant world that returns to visit us to remind us who we are and to establish new relationships in the territory and among the people who inhabit it. Firmly convinced that through art and the culture of beauty it is possible to activate a process of active and aware citizenship involving all age groups”, Councillor Spina concludes, “the project of ”In/Canti e Banchi 2025″ will be one of collectivity and proximity”.
