Milan's most congenial experimental theater, the Teatro Verdi, hosted a production by sister site Teatro del Buratto that combined black-light puppetry with the customary avant-garde, mixed media presentation. Inspired by the works of George Perec and Italo Calvino, the text concerns three travelers on a voyage of self-discovery. A rather obnoxious sophisticate (Evelina Primo as Camilla) finds herself with the most unlikely and detestable companions: a mute woman (Ornella Vancheri as Io) and a next-to-useless guy (Gennaro Ponticelli as Moro).
Stranded on their way to an ideal city, sometime between deep night and dawn and between past and future, they learn that solidarity is even more desirable than individual success. Even though mute, Io is able to create bonds among the three by narrating her personal trials through mime. When Marco (Giorgio Branca) offers a way out of their confusion, Camilla and then Moro reject it to remain with their Principessa Io. Thus the travelers' elusive goal of happiness finally comes into focus.
Even though the premise and elements -- like a plethora of suitcases to indicate traveling -- seem overly simplistic at first, the entire production makes an impression that few presentations of this type achieve. One reason is the amazing work of puppeteer Cristina Discacciati, who manipulates magical orbs; another Marco Zennaro's Caravaggesque lighting. The evening begins with an improvisation involving the willing audience.
