Fruitful exchange and inclusion through the noble and timeless art of puppets moved by invisible hands. The project "Theatre that Signs. Puppets and LIS in Dialogue," an artistic and theatrical project promoted by Human Arts – Le Mani dei Sarzi and developed in collaboration with the Institute for the Deaf of Turin, has been a success. Through workshops in Italian Sign Language (LIS), puppetry, and puppet-making using recycled materials, the initiative engaged deaf and hearing people of various ages, with a particular focus on children, the elderly, and vulnerable individuals.
The art of the Sarzi
Bringing the puppets to life is the imagination and talent of Mauro Sarzi, a son of a puppeteer, raised in a family that represents one of the longest-standing and most significant figures in the world of puppet theater. The Sarzis' art has always had a distinctive character, thanks to their ability to renew and reinterpret the language of puppetry, making it a truly universal means of communication. Luciana Ledda, a Sign Language interpreter, present with sign language in the Videolina information spaces, supported this journey: "You never stop studying this language," she explains, "because, like all languages, it is constantly evolving. I grew up with the idea that deaf people didn't hear like us, but had an incredible ability to perceive, perhaps even more than we do. A perspective that overturns widespread stereotypes and promotes a different culture of listening. This is the foundation of "Theatre that Signs. Puppets and LIS in Dialogue," which involved the municipalities of Cagliari, Assemini, and Iglesias with training sessions dedicated to learning the rudiments of sign language, the history of puppet theater, and an in-depth exploration of issues related to the protection of linguistic minorities and the role of Europe, with the contribution of Europe Direct Sardinia. Great attention was paid to environmental sustainability.
Recycling
With the support of the Alberea association, the focus is on the creative reuse of discarded materials to make puppets and the transformation of recycled materials, such as plastic and glass jars, into original decorations using natural elements and everyday objects. In reviewing "Theatre that Segna," Luciana Ledda highlights "how accessible art can become a concrete tool for sharing and social inclusion."
