VALENTINO’S FLEA CIRCUS
A micro-show by Horacio Tignanelli with Chiara Trevisan and Gigi Piga
This show takes place inside a box of wonders, which can be viewed by spectators one at a time. Conceived by the Argentine puppet master Horacio Tignanelli, here it is presented by the extravagant Piedmontese actress Chiara Trevisan.
As the circus tradition dictates, the brave protagonist is keep company with her faithful attendant: the Barker Pigonazzi. He begins by briefly introducing the forthcoming spectacle and enlightening spectators as to what they are about to see and how to enjoy the show. Hear him cry: “One act for each spectator, one spectator for each act” and other one-liners in all the world’s civilized tongues.
Each visitor to this original flea circus will be given a show catalogue from which they can chose the title of the performance that they alone will be privileged enough to witness. This unique feature of the show has no comparison anywhere else in the world. It is a direct result of the strange willingness of fleas to work with few human beings, given the aversion shared by most people towards their kind.
The list of performances in the catalogue includes a number of classics and some new entries into the circus world, these range from The Living Missile and Holiday on Soap to Chemical Jump and Monster Tamer. Each performance demonstrates the incredibly high standards reached by these little creatures, through their long biological lifespan and performing careers.
Each card includes the name, birthplace and origins of the flea star together with the title corresponding to its performance and an illustration of its daring feat.
Having made their choice, the spectators then take a close look inside the wonderful box. In order to fully appreciate the show, spectators take it in turns to don a pair of the latest high-tech headphones in order to better discover the goings-on in the micro-universe within the box.
The intimacy of the experience helps to create a unique bond between spectator and performer, which the human actress directs with incredible dextrousness from outside the box.
When the performance is over, the spectator makes way for the next one.
Out of the box, at spectator’s disposal: souvenir, curio and, of course, the pleasant Pigonazzi to co-ordinate the line end entertain with anecdotes and historical informations.
GENERAL INFORMATIONS
Total number of people performing: two
Public: The show is suitable for a mixed public of all ages, from seven-year-olds upwards. Each act from the show catalogue can be used by one spectator at a time.
Average duration: 2 hours (4 minutes per number/spectator approx).
Languages: Italian, English, French end Spanish
TECHNICAL INFORMATIONS
Space: The circus can be presented in theatre foyers, public spaces, private houses, conference halls, the street, etc. also alongside other events.
The circus requires a 3 x 3 m space to be set up. It does not need a stage.
Subdued light is required.
Lights: 220V 3 KW (normal domestic supply)
An actress who received her training at the GRM drama school in Turin, directed by Giovanni and Alfonso Cipolla, she has worked with many different theatre productions for actors and puppet masters together with the group that was founded by the school.
After obtaining her degree at the Faculty of Literature and Philosophy in Turin, with a dissertation on puppet theatre, she organised theatrical guided tours for pupils at primary schools and middle schools during exhibitions. She takes advantage of the language of puppet theatres when organising these tours to provide and alternative approach to teaching.
She made her debut as a solo performer when Valentino’s Flea Circus was first presented at the International Festival Arrivano dal Mare! in Cervia, Italy.
In June 2007, she wrote and produced the show Piantalalà. HORACIO TIGNANELLI
Puppet master and playwright from Buenos Aires (Argentina). He has directed many different puppet shows, and his work embraces a large area of the field. He has taken his show on tour, either as a solo artist or with his troupe, to important festivals in South America (Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela) and Europe (Spain, France, England and Italy).
In 1998, he was awarded the “Sirena d’Oro” at the International Festival Arrivano dal Mare! in Cervia, Italy, for his original contribution to the world of puppet theatres. Tignanelli has also turned puppet theatre into a teaching tool with a special emphasis on natural sciences. Valentino’s Flea Circus is part of a collection of pieces written especially for the “cajas da accion” (lit. action box).
