Sofia Nappi & Compania Komoco
"Pupo" in Italian refers to both the child and the puppet: Sofia Nappi's new piece is inspired by Pinocchio, the wooden puppet who longs to be a real boy. At its center is the metamorphosis of the marionette: How does this slow transformation from one state to another occur? How does the naive child grow up and stop being manipulated by others? Carlo Collodi's world-famous children's book inspired the young Italian choreographer to create a modern coming-of-age story, where associations with fairy tale characters like the fox and the cat, the talking cricket, or the blue fairy also flicker through.
Sofia Nappi’s dance language combines the wild, loose flow of Israeli dance with elements of breakdance when it comes to the jerky movements of the marionette. With minimal gestures and flashing motifs, embedded in the often mirrored, unrestrained joy of movement of a young person, the choreographer refers to the story of growing up, relating to personal growth and awakening: how the innocent, curious child awakens in the world, meets people and plays with them, tests its limits. How the adolescent encounters the first temptations like greed, how they are easily deceived, come to terms with themselves, and ultimately learn the power of forgiveness.
Nappi does not narrate pantomimically but integrates minimalist images into her dance - the crazy twitching of a marionette or the pulling of strings and manipulation, the instantaneous growth of a long nose, seductive tango steps or animal movements. White face masks, which mysteriously appear and disappear on faces, allude to the stereotypes and social criticism of the old Italian Commedia dell'arte.
"Pupo" was created for adults, but will give people of all ages something to watch and think about. The choreographer understands the tale of the transformed wooden puppet as a lifelong attempt to become the best version of oneself. We must never forget the child within us, the impulsive, playful wooden puppet we once were, the exuberant and untamed joy of children to dance. "The wood from which Pinocchio is carved represents humanitas, being human" - as the Italian philosopher Benedetto Croce said about the iconic figure of the little wooden puppet who longs to be a boy.
Sofia Nappi is a graduate of the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, New York. Even the first creations of her company Komoco have been showered with international awards. "IMA" was commissioned by the Venice Biennale in 2020, and the "Colours" International Dance Festival showcased the world premiere of the full-length version. As a freelance choreographer, Sofia Nappi works worldwide with top companies. - Heidrun Hofstetter
Cast:
Choreography: Sofia Nappi & the dancers
Dance: Komoco Company - Arthur Bouilliol, Leonardo de Santis, Glenda Gheller, India Guanzini, Paolo Piancastelli, Senne Reus, Julie Vivès
Choreographic Assistance: Adriano Popolo Rubbio
Music: Dead Combo, Jean Du Voyage, Irfan, Frédéric Chopin, among others.
Sound Design: Ed Mars & Sofia Nappi
Light Design: Alessandro Caso
Costume Design: Judith Adam
Tour Management: ecotopia dance productions
With support from Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Colonia, MiC-Direzione Generale Spettacolo, as part of the NID Platform international residencies program.
PUPO was created in collaboration with Burghof Lörrach (D), Danse Danse Montréal (CA), ecotopia dance productions (D), Escher Theater (L), KOMOCO / Sofia Nappi (I), MART Foundation (US), ROXY Ulm (D), Sosta Palmizi (I), Tanz Köln (D), Theater Winterthur (CH), Tollhaus Karlsruhe (D)
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