Virgilio Sieni and Mimmo Cuticchio Merge Dance and Puppetry in "Atlante_l'umano del gesto"

The performance "Atlante_l'umano del gesto" showcases a unique partnership between Virgilio Sieni, a Florence-based choreographer, and Sicilian puppeteer Mimmo Cuticchio. It merges contemporary dance with the classic opera dei pupi, exploring the deep emotional ties between human movements and a wooden puppet that Cuticchio animates in sync with Sieni’s dance. Starting as a fragile figure, the marionette gains depth through Cuticchio's skill. He sings a touching lament that expresses the puppet's sorrow. Later, it dons armor and engages in a staged battle, which Sieni diffuses by embracing it and disarming it. The performance concludes with a wooden angel rising above Sieni, who mimics broken wings, while Cuticchio shares a story of migrant tragedies at sea. This piece is part of the "Palermo_Arte del Gesto nel Mediterraneo" initiative and was performed at the Cantieri Goldonetta in Florence during the "Democrazia del corpo" festival, resonating deeply with audiences as a reflection on essential gestures and puppetry.