by InTrieste
From August 18 to 24, the Dadadù International Children’s Theater Festival will bring a week of performances for young audiences and their families to the garden of the Sartorio Museum, as part of the city’s “Trieste Estate” summer program. All shows begin at 8 p.m. and are free of charge.
The week opens on Monday, August 18, with Giacomino e il Fagiolo Magico, a reimagining of the classic “Jack and the Beanstalk.” In this lively adaptation by Luca Ferri and Luca Marchioro of Anà-Thema Teatro, quick character changes, interactive moments, and inventive staging bring the familiar tale to life. Recommended for ages 6 and up, the performance runs about 50 minutes.
On Tuesday, August 19, Il cavaliere sulla luna follows Astolfo, a boy who dreams of becoming a knight. Inspired by Ludovico Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso, the story blends fantasy with themes of individuality and resilience. Written and directed by Giacomo Sette for the Rome-based company Settimo Cielo, the show is recommended for ages 6 and up.
Wednesday, August 20, features Baby Esferic by Catalonia’s Aboon Teatre — a wordless, visually driven performance for children aged six months to six years. Using a single white sphere as the central prop, the piece transforms into landscapes, animals, and natural environments, accompanied by music and movement.
On Thursday, August 21, Trieste’s own La Contrada – Teatro Stabile presents I Musicanti di Brema (The Old Animals Band), based on the Brothers Grimm tale of four aging animals who set out to become musicians. With puppetry, live acting, and original music, the production explores friendship and solidarity. Suitable for ages 3 and up.
Friday, August 22, brings Favole al telefono, an adaptation of Gianni Rodari’s 1962 children’s classic, by Gledališče Koper – Teatro Capodistria. Actor Francesco Borchi performs six short stories in a bilingual format, evoking the charm of a traveling father’s nightly phone calls to his daughter. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
On Saturday, August 23, Lutkovno gledališče Ljubljana presents Zajčkova hišica (The Little Rabbit’s House), performed in Slovenian. The gentle fable about generosity and community tells of a rabbit who loses his home and finds help from forest neighbors — but not from a cunning fox. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
The festival closes on Sunday, August 24, with Gora, a mythic tale about the origins of Nova Gorica and Gorizia, created by Teatro Rossetti in collaboration with Lutkovno gledališče Ljubljana. The story follows a young giant who sacrifices herself to save her valley, transforming into the mountain that bears her name. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
In case of severe weather, events may be canceled, rescheduled, or moved to other venues; updates will be posted on the Municipality of Trieste’s official channels.
“Trieste Estate” is organized by the Municipality of Trieste’s Department of Culture and Tourism, with the collaboration of the Departments of Education and Family Policy and Territorial Policy, and supported by PromoTurismoFVG and the Trieste Convention & Visitors Bureau.
More information: triestestate.it
