"Daphne and Apollo", an episode from Greek mythology, has inspired numerous artists over the centuries. The Compagnia Za-Zà now tells the story lively and light-footed in their own and new way in the style of the Commedia dell'arte. "Ninfe, Dèi e Polli" is an interweaving of poetry, wit, wonder and madness: mythological creatures of nymphs, satyrs and gods meet town figures from the world of commedia dell'arte, such as the historically significant, credulous servant Pulcinella, his bold wife Zezza or the miser Pantalone. The protagonist of the play is the nature, especially the woods - home to wondrous creatures - which, as a place of action, becomes a projection screen for desires and dreams. The magic of the forest entices and seduces, inspires mischief and confusion - entirely in the tradition of the Commedia Boschereccia.

This Ovidian Midsummer Night's Dream is also the story of the laurel, namely how a love affair turned the laurel crown into a symbol of political, sporting and academic success. In line with our zeitgeist, the role of women is also significant here: already in ancient mythology it is clear that the woman sees herself as an independent being. To preserve this, nature offers her solution and salvation in "Daphne and Apollo".

"Ninfe, Dèi e Polli" stands in the tradition of the original Italian mask theatre, the street and folk theatre, which has a direct and immediate relationship with the audience and in which each character is defined by its own distinct repertoire of movements and emotions. In addition to the spectacular and technically virtuous body language of commedia dell'arte, other disciplines such as music, singing, dance and acrobatics enrich the play. Ninfe, Dèi e Polli" combines different languages and thus preserves the plurilingual tradition of commedia dell'arte. The Swiss actress and singer Annina Gieré and the Chilean actor and theatre-maker Carlos Becker both interpret several roles, switching from one character to the next on the fly and inspiring the audience's imagination so that a whole crowd seems to take over the stage.

Annina Gieré and Carlos Becker trained with Maestro Antonio Fava and work alongside him for several years. He is one of the most celebrated exponents of commedia dell'arte and his mask making is considered a worldwide reference for leather masks. In "Ninfe, Dèi e Polli" his masks are being used, and he also directed and composed the music.

Let yourself get carried away into the fantastic forest of nymphs, gods and gullibles...