In the white-washed hills of Ceglie Messapica, in the heart of Puglia, the town theatre opens its doors to a very special character. Mr. Bloom, the specialised dreamer, is a mime and clown performance by Antonio Brugnano, recommended from age 5.
A Show Without Words, Understood by Everyone
Mime is the oldest language of the stage. It needs no translation, which makes it a wonderful choice for a mixed audience of children, parents and grandparents.
Instead of dialogue, you get gestures, facial expressions and comic timing. Children follow the story with their eyes wide open, while adults smile at the details they might otherwise have missed.
Clowning, Imagination and a Touch of Poetry
The title hints at a character who makes dreaming his profession. The source description tells us only that the performance blends mime and clowning, so expect a playful world built from small gestures and big feelings.
This is the kind of theatre where an invisible object becomes real for a moment. Kids often love to join in the laughter, and that shared reaction is part of the magic.
- Physical comedy that works even for the youngest viewers in the audience
- Silence and surprise, with no screens and no noise, just live performance
- Shared laughter echoing through the Teatro Comunale
- A first teatro experience that is easy for children from age 5
Making an Afternoon of It in Ceglie Messapica
Ceglie Messapica is known as one of Puglia's food capitals, so the outing practically plans itself. Walk through the historic centre, with its narrow lanes and lively squares, before or after the show.
A stop for a local pastry or an aperitivo in the old town turns a theatre visit into a relaxed family day. If you have more time, the nearby Itria Valley, with its countryside and trulli, is a short drive away.
Tips for Enjoying the Performance
Arrive a little early so the children can settle into their seats and get used to the theatre atmosphere. Explain beforehand that the show is silent: it helps them watch more closely.
Afterwards, ask your kids what they understood. You will probably be surprised by how many different stories one wordless show can tell.
For the latest details on dates and times, check the information panel on this page. It is a simple, free-spirited way to introduce children to live theatre in a small Puglian town.