The Italian Cultural Institute in Pretoria is pleased to present Teatro Verde on Tour, a theatrical campaign bringing two outstanding performances by Teatro Verde Company to schools, families and the general public across South Africa in October 2026.
Teatro Verde Company is one of Italy’s most respected puppet and physical theatre companies. Founded in Rome in 1947 and recognised by the Italian government for its national cultural relevance, the company has become an important cultural space for children, teenagers, schools and families in the Italian capital. Indeed, Teatro Verde shows are entirely dedicated to young audiences, a dedication recalled in the title: in Italian, verde means green, which is the colour of youth.
The tour features two productions:
- Opera Buffa is a joyful and surprising journey through the greatest arias of Italian opera performed through the art of puppetry, mime and clowning. It follows two warehouse workers on their lunch break who unexpectedly transform their ordinary surroundings into an extraordinary world of music and imagination;
- Pocket Circus is a street theatre performance full of drama, humour and live music, where juggling, fire, puppets and imagination come together in a poetic game for audiences of all ages.
No knowledge of Italian is needed to enjoy either show: it does not need words to move you, surprise you, and make you laugh. Both performances speak a silent but universal language that relies on gestures, movement, music and play. This theatrical experience is immediately accessible to audiences of all ages, backgrounds and cultures.
We warmly invite schools, families and all lovers of the arts to join us for this wonderful celebration of Italian theatre and creativity.
Tour Dates
Friday, 16 October 2026, Opera Buffa at Crawford International, Bedfordview (Johannesburg)
Saturday, 17 October 2026: Pocket Circus at the Italian Sporting Club, Johannesburg – bookings at iicpretoria@esteri.it
Monday, 19 October 2026 at : Pocket Circus at the American International School of Lesotho, Maseru
Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 11:00: Opera Buffa at the National State Theatre, Windhoek (Namibia) bookings at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opera-buffa-tickets-1996978985904?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true
Friday, 23 October 2026: Pocket Circus at School Katatura Youth Complex, Windhoek (Namibia)