Massafra, in the province of Taranto, is a town of deep ravines, rock-cut churches and a theatre season that rewards the curious. This time the stage belongs to Antonio Mezzancella and a show with one of the most playful titles around: Mamma ho perso Sanremo.
A Title That Winks at Italian Pop Culture
Any Italian hears two things in that name. One is the famous film title Mamma ho perso l'aereo, the other is the Sanremo music festival, the yearly ritual of songs and commentary that stops the whole country.
Blending the two suggests a light, ironic tone and a pinch of nostalgia. The programme simply describes it as a show by Antonio Mezzancella, so it is best to arrive curious rather than with a fixed script in mind.
An Evening Inside the Teatro Comunale
A municipal theatre in a small Puglian town has something big-city venues cannot copy. Neighbours greet each other in the foyer, the lights dim, and the room feels like a shared living room.
That closeness changes how a show lands. Laughter travels fast, and the performer is never far from the audience.
- Intimate atmosphere where you can see every expression from your seat
- Shared laughter that ripples through the stalls
- Familiar references that Italian audiences tend to catch right away
- A genuinely local crowd, which is a good way to feel the town's rhythm
Turn It Into a Night in the City of Gravine
Massafra is often called the city of the gravine, the ravines that cut through the limestone plateau. Come a little early and the hours before curtain become part of the experience.
Walk the historic centre as the light softens, then look down toward the ravine and the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Scala, one of the town's best-known sights. The rock settlements nearby, including the so-called Farmacia del Mago Greguro, show how deeply history is carved into this landscape.
After the show, find a table nearby for a plate of orecchiette or a late glass of local wine. If you have a car, Taranto and the Ionian beaches are close, so the show can anchor a longer stay.
Small Tips for a Smooth Evening
- Arrive early enough to stroll before taking your seat
- Check the latest details on the town's official channels before you go, as theatre schedules can shift
- Dress comfortably, since evenings in the Murge foothills can turn cool outside summer
- Plan dinner for after the show, when the streets are quieter
Whether you come as a couple, with friends or on your own, a night of live theatre in Massafra is a gentle, memorable way to see another side of Puglia.