Naufragio con Spettatore
Dedicated to Sergio
First Chapter of ODISSEO, from the Re-Mapping Sicily Project
Loosely inspired by “Shipwreck with Spectator” by Hans Blumenberg
- Choreography & Direction: Roberto Zappalà
- General Director: Maria Inguscio
- Technical Director: Sammy Torrisi
- Live Music: Johann Sebastian Bach (Preludes and Fugues from The Well-Tempered Clavier), Charles Gounod (Ave Maria)
- Dancers: Fernando Roldan Ferrer, Roberto Provenzano
- Dramaturgy: Nello Calabrò and Roberto Zappalà
- Pianist: Alistair Sorley
- Soprano: Marianna Cappellani
- Lighting & Set Design: Roberto Zappalà
- Costume Design: Debora Privitera
- Production Assistant: Federica Cincotti
- Management: Vittorio Stasi
A production by Scenario Pubblico / Compagnia Zappalà Danza – Centro di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale
In collaboration with Teatro Stabile di Catania, ArtEZ Arnhem (NL), UVA Grapes Catania Contemporary Dance Festival, and AME Associazione Musicale Etnea
Supported by MIC – Italian Ministry of Culture and Regione Siciliana – Department of Tourism, Sport, and Entertainment
About “Naufragio con Spettatore”
Naufragio con Spettatore marks the first chapter of ODISSEO, a choreographic work that explores themes of migration, immigration, and the relationship between Western society and migrant communities. The journey of Ulysses and the modern-day tragic odysseys of migrants share the same map: the Mediterranean. At its center is Sicily, a historic epicenter of human migration, once among the leading sources of emigrants during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The shipwreck lconcept leads to broader themes such as journey, hunger/thirst, death/salvation, and the absence of space. Ulysses, the lone survivor of a shipwreck on the island of Alcinous (and later in Dante’s interpretation of his final shipwreck), as a reference point for contemporary events. The performance also reflects on present-day migrant crossings and their often-tragic fates, such as the Porto Palo shipwreck (the largest Mediterranean maritime disaster since World War II) and the March 2009 tragedy, where three boats carrying over 350 migrants sank off the Libyan coast.
The emotional and visual inspiration for the work also draws from Théodore Géricault’s painting The Raft of the Medusa and Hans Blumenberg’s philosophical essay Shipwreck with Spectator.
Critical Acclaim
“Roberto Zappalà possesses the rare ability to transform contemporary dance into poetry and metaphor, addressing the subject of migration with raw and essential gestures.”
Sergio Trombetta, La Stampa
“Not just shipwrecks, but intensely expressive solitude—bodies, gasps, impacts, and pathways across the ocean of others and the sea of the self.”
Carmelita Celi, La Sicilia
“A nocturnal dance, magnificently performed by Roberto Provenzano and Fernando Roldán Ferrer, emerging from darkness after long moments. Choreography becomes painting.”
Alessandro Iachino, Teatro e Critica
“Premiered in 2010, yet Naufragio con Spettatore remains powerfully relevant, articulating without words the plight of migrants, the endless landings on Italian shores, and our ambiguous indifference.”
Matteo Brighenti, PAC
“Fifty-five minutes of intense performance, with flawless choreography and two extraordinary dancers.”
Caris Ienco, Perinsala
SCENARIO PUBBLICO / COMPAGNIA ZAPPALÀ DANZA
Centro di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale
Scenario Pubblico / Compagnia Zappalà Danza is recognized as a Centro di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale (Center of National Artistic Excellence). This prestigious acknowledgment, awarded in 2022, celebrates over 32 years of groundbreaking work by Compagnia Zappalà Danza and its founder, Roberto Zappalà. The company has revolutionized the perception of contemporary dance in Sicily, including the establishment of Scenario Pubblico, a pioneering space dedicated to dance, along with MoDem, the company’s signature dance language.
Founded as Italy’s first choreographic center, Scenario Pubblico emerged through the vision of Roberto Zappalà, with private funding and support from the European Community. The center operates as a hub for dance, offering:
- Productions & Residencies (ACASA residency program)
- CZD2, a pre-professional dance ensemble selected from MoDem PRO students
- A rich seasonal dance program & the FIC Festival
- Workshops, artist talks, dance video making & publications
Compagnia Zappalà Danza boasts an extensive repertoire developed through the collaboration of Roberto Zappalà (choreographer), Nello Calabrò (dramaturg), and an international ensemble of dancers. With over 80 full-length productions, the company has been featured in major theaters and festivals worldwide.
The company has earned numerous awards and forged national and international partnerships, as well as community outreach initiatives making dance accessible to disadvantaged audiences.
