Few cities are better suited to a story about travel than Brindisi, the Adriatic port in southern Puglia that has sent ships eastward for centuries. Here, at the Nuovo Teatro Verdi, Luca Zingaretti stars in Marco Polo e le città invisibili, a stage adaptation of Italo Calvino's celebrated book.
A Book Made of Cities That Do Not Exist
Calvino imagined Marco Polo sitting before Kublai Khan, describing marvellous cities that may be real, remembered or simply dreamed. Each one is a small parable about desire, memory and the way we look at places.
It is a book that seems impossible to stage, and that is precisely its charm. On stage, the words do the travelling, and the audience is invited to build every skyline in its own mind.
Zingaretti, Voice of the Journey
Luca Zingaretti is known to millions as Commissario Montalbano, yet his roots lie firmly in the theatre. Seeing him in a live setting is a different experience from the screen: presence, breath and silence become part of the storytelling.
Expect an evening that rewards attention. Calvino's prose is delicate and layered, and it works best when you let it wash over you rather than chase every image.
What to Savour During the Evening
- Calvino's language, precise and poetic, brought to life aloud
- The feeling of imaginary travel inside a traditional Italian theatre
- The shared hush of a full house listening to a story
- Short fragments you will want to repeat on the walk home
It is a thoughtful choice for couples or a small group of friends, since the conversation afterwards is half the pleasure. Which city stayed with you? Everyone will answer differently.
Before and After the Curtain: Brindisi at Dusk
Arrive early and stroll the lungomare to feel why this city fits the theme so well. The harbour, with its ferries and ships, is a quiet reminder that Brindisi was once the gateway to the East.
Nearby, the Roman column marking the end of the Via Appia stands over the water, a perfect prelude to a story about distant destinations. Afterwards, look for a small trattoria in the historic centre and order something simple, such as orecchiette or fresh seafood, while the evening's images settle.
Good to Know
Theatre evenings in Brindisi tend to be relaxed but attentive, so smart-casual clothes are perfectly fine. Check the programme for exact dates and booking details, as seats for a name like Zingaretti tend to go quickly. If you have time, a short stop at the Castello Svevo by the water rounds off a day devoted to journeys.