Florence, Italy – The 13th edition of the Materia Prima Festival will host a compelling theatrical production in March 2026, bringing a unique blend of languages and performance art to the Teatro Cantiere Florida. “Foresto,” presented by the acclaimed Babilonia Teatri, offers a fresh interpretation of Bernard-Marie Koltès’s “La Nuit avant les forêts” (“The Forest Before Night”), incorporating Italian Sign Language (LIS) and live electronic music. This innovative approach promises a deeply immersive experience for audiences, exploring themes of isolation, communication, and the search for connection.
Babilonia Teatri, known for its “pop, rock, punk” style and commitment to socially engaged theatre, has established itself as a significant force in the Italian contemporary theatre scene. Founded by Enrico Castellani and Valeria Raimondi, the company has garnered numerous awards, including a Silver Lion at the Venice Biennale, two UBU Prizes, and the Hystrio Prize for dramaturgy. Their work consistently challenges conventional theatrical boundaries, offering critical reflections on modern society. “Foresto” is not merely a translation of Koltès’s work; it’s a re-imagining, a dialogue between languages and cultures, and a testament to the power of artistic collaboration. The production is scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2026, at 9:00 PM at the Teatro Cantiere Florida (Via Pisana 111R) in Florence.
A Multilingual Exploration of Koltès’s Masterpiece
Bernard-Marie Koltès’s “La Nuit avant les forêts” is considered a seminal work of 20th-century French drama. The play, first performed in 1977, explores the encounter between two men in a remote, undefined location, delving into themes of desire, power, and the fragility of human connection. Babilonia Teatri’s “Foresto” builds upon this foundation by introducing LIS into the narrative, creating a layered performance that transcends linguistic barriers. The integration of LIS, alongside spoken Italian, French, and dialect, alongside live electronic music, aims to amplify the play’s emotional resonance and create a truly inclusive experience. According to Babilonia Teatri, the term “Foresto,” meaning “stranger” in the Veronese dialect, serves as a bridge between Koltès’s original text and their own interpretation, reflecting the play’s themes of displacement and otherness.
The company explains that Koltès’s work feels like a “sacred, secular text,” imbued with a unique power and aura. They approach it with both reverence and a desire to engage with its complexities directly. This engagement involves a process of “digesting” and “re-spitting out” the words through their own linguistic lens – a blend of slang, dialect, and visceral expression. This approach underscores the production’s commitment to authenticity and its willingness to challenge traditional theatrical conventions. The use of electronic music, performed live, further enhances the atmosphere and underscores the play’s themes of alienation and longing.
Accessibility and Artistic Innovation
A key aspect of “Foresto” is its commitment to accessibility. The performance will be presented with Italian Sign Language (LIS) and Italian subtitles, ensuring that a wider audience can fully engage with the work. This inclusivity aligns with Babilonia Teatri’s broader artistic vision, which emphasizes the importance of breaking down barriers and fostering dialogue. The Materia Prima Festival, which hosts “Foresto,” is itself dedicated to showcasing innovative and contemporary theatrical productions. The festival, now in its 13th year, has become a significant event on the Florentine cultural calendar, attracting both local and international audiences. The festival is curated by Murmuris and receives support from the Italian Ministry of Culture (Mic), the European Union, the Tuscany Region, the City of Florence, and the CR Firenze Foundation.
The production’s innovative use of multiple languages and performance styles reflects a broader trend in contemporary theatre towards hybridity and experimentation. By combining spoken word, sign language, and electronic music, Babilonia Teatri creates a dynamic and multi-sensory experience that challenges audiences to reconsider their perceptions of language and communication. This approach is particularly relevant in today’s increasingly globalized world, where intercultural dialogue and understanding are more important than ever. The Teatro Cantiere Florida, the venue for “Foresto,” is known for its commitment to supporting experimental and avant-garde theatre, making it an ideal space for this groundbreaking production.
Babilonia Teatri: A Profile
Babilonia Teatri, founded in 2003 by Enrico Castellani and Valeria Raimondi, has consistently pushed the boundaries of Italian theatre. The company’s work is characterized by its bold aesthetic, its socially conscious themes, and its willingness to experiment with different forms and styles. They have received critical acclaim for productions such as “Diavoli” and “Sandglass,” which have toured internationally. Informacitta.net notes that Babilonia Teatri’s style is often described as “pop, rock, punk,” reflecting its energetic and rebellious spirit. Beyond their theatrical work, Castellani and Raimondi have as well been actively involved in arts education and community engagement, demonstrating their commitment to using theatre as a tool for social change. Since 2023, they have served as the artistic directors of the Pergine Festival, further solidifying their position as leaders in the Italian theatre landscape.
The company’s awards include a Silver Lion at the Venice Biennale, the Premio Scenario, two Premi UBU, the Premio Hystrio for dramaturgy, the Premio Associazione Nazionale dei Critici di Teatro, and the Premio Franco Enriquez for civic engagement. These accolades demonstrate the company’s consistent artistic excellence and its commitment to addressing important social and political issues through its work. Babilonia Teatri’s productions often explore themes of immigration, social inequality, and political corruption, offering a critical perspective on contemporary Italian society.
Materia Prima Festival: A Hub for Contemporary Theatre
The Materia Prima Festival, now in its 13th year, has become a vital platform for showcasing innovative and experimental theatre in Florence. The festival, curated by Murmuris, presents a diverse program of performances, workshops, and discussions, attracting artists and audiences from around the world. The festival receives support from a range of organizations, including the Italian Ministry of Culture, the European Union, the Tuscany Region, the City of Florence, and the CR Firenze Foundation. The official Materia Prima Festival website provides detailed information about the festival program, including schedules, ticket prices, and artist biographies.
In addition to “Foresto,” the 2026 festival will feature a variety of other performances, exploring a range of themes and styles. The festival’s commitment to supporting emerging artists and fostering intercultural dialogue makes it a unique and valuable event on the Italian cultural calendar. The festival also collaborates with several other organizations, including In-box, Firenze dei Teatri, and Rat – Residenze Artistiche Toscane, to create a vibrant and dynamic artistic ecosystem in Florence.
The Institut français Firenze is renewing its collaboration with the Materia Prima Festival, recognizing its importance in promoting contemporary theatre in the city. Members of the Institut français Firenze are eligible for discounted tickets to “Foresto,” further enhancing accessibility to this innovative production. This partnership underscores the Institut’s commitment to supporting cultural exchange and fostering artistic collaboration between France and Italy.
As “Foresto” prepares to take the stage at the Teatro Cantiere Florida, audiences can anticipate a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience. The production’s unique blend of languages, performance styles, and social commentary promises to be a highlight of the 2026 Materia Prima Festival. Further details about the festival and ticket availability can be found on the official Materia Prima Festival website.
The next confirmed event associated with the Materia Prima Festival is the announcement of the full 2026 program lineup, expected in early February 2026. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this exciting production and the broader landscape of contemporary theatre in the comments below.
Worth a look