Pynarello

The cheeky and headstrong Pulcinella, the forefather of Punch and Judy and many other theatrical characters, is still very much alive. For centuries, this rebellious Italian has made himself seen and heard: in the street, on the stage, and in the orchestra pit. Pulcinella is a fool who holds up a mirror to us. He is an outsider who disrupts the established order with a wink and gets away with everything. There is wisdom in his foolishness, and often a grain of truth in his mockery. Many know his mask, but what face lies behind it?

Together with the Netherlands’ best-known mime performer, Jochem Stavenuiter, as Pulcinella, Pynarello sets out in its new performance to find the answer. In this programme, movement and music are equals. Unbound by sheet music, all the musicians take part in the choreography while playing their instruments. Pulcinella boldly challenges the already rebellious Pynarello to become even freer and more audacious, while Pynarello urges Pulcinella to finally take off his mask. On stage, the fool continuously stirs things up and turns the entire ensemble upside down.

From Baroque composers such as Pergolesi, Gallo and Monza to the great Stravinsky, many have been inspired by Pulcinella. Their music therefore forms the heart of this performance, partly in its original form and partly in new arrangements by Pynarello.