O CIEL LUCENTE

“O Ciel Lucente – Theatre on the Aia of Carlo Formigoni” is conceived to safeguard and enhance the forty–year tradition of summer theatre gatherings created by Carlo Formigoni, one of the most significant masters, directors and pedagogues of Italian and European theatre. His legacy, rooted in the Valle d’Itria, Italy, represents a unique cultural heritage that, without adequate support, risks being lost.The title of the festival comes from a song written by Formigoni for his play Pulcinella a corte. The reference celebrates the themes most dear to him: the vocation of the artist, theatre within theatre, beauty, gentleness, and a profound attention to the struggles of those often excluded, even when blessed with extraordinary artistic talent.The festival takes place in the enchanting landscape of Valle d’Itria, on the Aia and in the small open-air amphitheatre that Formigoni built beside his trulli farmhouse near Cisternino. Over decades, this intimate 150-seat theatre became a meeting place for local farmers, families, students, and artists from across Italy and Europe. It is a place where performances, rehearsals, workshops and artistic residencies intertwine with the rural environment, creating a dialogue between theatre, community and landscape.After the passing of Carlo Formigoni in February 2024, Teatro delle Forche — founded in 1994 by his long-time student and collaborator Giancarlo Luce — has taken up the responsibility and the honour of continuing his work. “O Ciel Lucente” therefore represents both a celebration of his heritage and a new phase of international growth.From July to August each year, the festival will host a rich programme of performances, artistic residencies, training activities and community events. The mix of tradition and innovation reflects the festival’s mission: to create a space where well-known masters and young voices can coexist, offering audiences both excellence and discovery.Beyond the stage, “O Ciel Lucente” includes workshops, laboratories and artistic research inspired by Formigoni’s pedagogical method, still carried forward today by Giancarlo Luce, the artistic director, and his collaborators. The aim is to transmit knowledge to a new generation of actors, directors and spectators, and to keep alive the spirit of a theatre that is at once popular, poetic and socially engaged.The festival is also deeply rooted in community life. It engages local audiences, schools and cultural associations, while attracting visitors from Italy and abroad. Farmers, tourists, intellectuals and artists gather on the Aia, exchanging stories, knowledge and experiences in an atmosphere that unites tradition and contemporary creativity.

Looking ahead, Teatro delle Forche envisions “O Ciel Lucente” as a cornerstone for transforming the Aia and the Small Amphitheatre into an international artistic residence. The ambition is to host young companies from all over Europe, offering them time and space to experiment with new processes and languages, culminating in public presentations during the festival.Thus, “O Ciel Lucente” is not only a festival but also a laboratory of ideas, a meeting ground for communities and cultures, and a living tribute to Carlo Formigoni’s vision. By linking past, present and future, it preserves a precious heritage while opening doors to innovation and international dialogue, ensuring that the flame of theatre continues to shine bright in the Valle d’Itria.