End-of-course presentation “shadow theatre”
- Thursday 19 February, 19:00, ESNAM, 16 av. Jean Jaurès
All audiences
This public performance is the culmination of two weeks of exploration of shadow theatre under the direction of Fabrizio Montecchi, culminating in the presentation of “studies” by the students.
After reviewing the techniques covered in the first year, students will go through the creative process: dramaturgy, set design, costumes, acting, music and lighting. They will explore and produce short pieces based on a given text.
Fabrizio Montecchi, director and set designer, was born in 1960 in Reggio Emilia, Italy. He studied art and architecture.
From 1978 to 2022, he contributes with Teatro Gioco Vita to the development of contemporary shadow theatre. He has staged some sixty shows for all ages since 1985, and numerous artistic collaborations with major theatres. Over the years, he has established himself worldwide as one of the most important directors of contemporary shadow theatre and as a specialist in theatre for young audiences. He has won several awards.
In 1993, he began working in education. He teaches shadow theatre at ESNAM and runs courses and workshops all over the world. In 2013, he received the Prix de la Transmission from the Institut International de la Marionnette in Charleville Mézières. He has participated in numerous symposiums, given lectures, written books and articles, and created exhibitions and events, always with the aim of contributing to the development of contemporary shadow theatre. He is also involved with UNIMA International, where he has been secretary general since the end of 2025.
His book “Au-delà de l’écran, pour un théâtre d’ombres contemporain” is available for free consultation on the Portail des arts de la marionnette.
Summary:
Fabrizio Montecchi has devoted his artistic life to developing and teaching shadow theatre. Here, he recounts the rich stages of this long journey. Firmly rooted in contemporary theatre trends, he situates his perspective within the context of history, distant traditions, and the material life that structures the appearance of shadows.