Organizer Information
Teatro dell’Osso ETS is an independent cultural organization based in Naples, Italy, dedicated to contemporary theatre production, artistic research, cultural education, and international collaboration. Through its artistic programs, the organization promotes experimental performance practices while preserving and reinterpreting elements of Southern Italian theatrical heritage. The residency will take place at TRAM Theatre, an established contemporary theatre venue in Naples that hosts productions, workshops, artist residencies, and cultural exchange initiatives. This project is supported through the Culture Moves Europe mobility scheme, funded by the European Union under the Creative Europe programme and implemented by the Goethe-Institut.
Title & Description
The Polyphonic Pulcinella A 28-Day International Artistic Residency in Naples, Italy
The Polyphonic Pulcinella is an international residency program bringing together five artists and cultural professionals from across Creative Europe countries for a collaborative exploration of the Pulcinella archetype and its connections to European performance traditions. The residency investigates how iconic trickster characters such as Pulcinella (Italy), Punch (United Kingdom), Polichinelle (France), Kasperl (Germany), and other related figures have shaped theatrical cultures throughout Europe.
Participants will engage in an intensive multilingual artistic process combining theatrical anthropology, mask performance, physical theatre, improvisation, movement research, and Grammelot techniques. Through collective creation methodologies, artists will develop an original contemporary performance that reflects shared European cultural roots while addressing current themes such as identity, resilience, cultural memory, and intercultural dialogue.
The residency culminates in a public presentation and performance at TRAM Theatre in Naples, allowing participants to showcase the outcomes of their collaborative research and artistic experimentation.
Residency Phases
Phase 1 – Immersion & Research (Days 1–7)
- Commedia dell’Arte masterclasses
- Urban and cultural explorations of Naples
- Comparative studies of European trickster traditions
- Historical and anthropological research
Phase 2 – Collective Creation (Days 8–15)
- Development of multilingual dramaturgy
- Canovaccio-based creation processes
- Grammelot experimentation
- Collaborative thematic exploration
Phase 3 – Production (Days 16–23)
- Intensive rehearsals
- Daily mentoring sessions
- Artistic refinement and performance preparation
- Technical development
Phase 4 – Connection (Days 24–28)
- Open rehearsals
- Public presentations
- Audience discussions
- Future networking and collaboration planning
Categories
- Performing Arts
- Theatre
- Physical Theatre
- Commedia dell’Arte
- Mask Performance
- Mime
- Dance Theatre
- Movement-Based Performance
- Multilingual Performance
- Interdisciplinary Performing Arts
- Cultural Research
- Dramaturgy
Eligibility
- International artists and cultural professionals
- Applicants aged 18 years or older
- Individuals legally residing in a Creative Europe country other than Italy
- Theatre practitioners
- Physical theatre performers
- Mime artists
- Dance theatre professionals
- Performance makers
- Directors and dramaturgs working within the performing arts
- Cultural professionals engaged in performance-based practices
- Artists with a minimum of three years of professional experience
Applicants must be available for the entire residency period from April 1–28, 2027. Full participation throughout all 28 days is mandatory.
The organizers particularly welcome candidates with:
- Experience in Commedia dell’Arte
- Knowledge of Pulcinella traditions
- Familiarity with trickster archetypes from their own cultural background
- Interest in mask work
- Experience with Grammelot
- Physical theatre training
- Rhythmic improvisation skills
- Knowledge of theatrical anthropology
The program strongly encourages applications from artists with disabilities and aims to ensure gender balance, cultural diversity, and broad geographic representation.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected participants will receive:
Artistic Benefits
- Full participation in a structured 28-day residency
- Professional mentorship throughout the program
- Daily artistic guidance and coaching
- Access to theatre facilities and production resources
- Participation in an international collaborative creation process
- Public performance opportunity
- International networking opportunities
Mentorship
Participants will work with Antonio Rao Gargiulo, a specialist in Commedia dell’Arte and mime and founder of the international ComèDì festival. He will provide guidance in:
- Mask techniques
- Physical theatre
- Canovaccio development
- Artistic dramaturgy
- Performance creation
Financial Support
The residency is supported through the Culture Moves Europe mobility grant and includes:
- Daily allowance of €30 per day
- Travel support of €400 or €800 depending on travel distance
- Possible additional financial top-ups for:
- Green mobility travel
- Visa-related costs
- Family-related support needs
Accommodation & Facilities
- Free accommodation near the theatre venue
- Shared kitchen facilities
- Common living spaces
- Access to rehearsal rooms
- Access to the theatre stage
- Technical equipment and production infrastructure
- Dedicated residency coordination and administrative support
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Official identification document (ID card or equivalent)
- Short CV (maximum one page)
- Artistic portfolio (maximum 5 MB)
- Motivation letter (maximum 500 words) explaining:
- Interest in the project
- Relationship to mask or trickster traditions
- Motivation for participating in the collective creation process
- Proof of legal residence in an eligible Creative Europe country, such as:
- Registration certificate
- ID card showing residential address
- Current rental or lease agreement
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted by email to: residency@teatrotram.it
Subject Line: Application – The Polyphonic Pulcinella
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
- Shortlist Results: 10 July 2026
- Online Interviews: July 12–23, 2026
- Final Selection Announcement: 30 July 2026
- Residency Period: April 1–28, 2027
Location
Naples, Italy
Additional Details
- Working language: English
- Multilingual artistic expression is encouraged
- Five participants will be selected
- The residency focuses on collective creation and intercultural collaboration
- Attendance is mandatory throughout the entire 28-day program
- Accommodation is accessible to participants with disabilities
- The final outcome will be presented publicly at TRAM Theatre
- Applicants should demonstrate openness to collaborative work and intercultural exchange
- Selection will be conducted by a three-member committee composed of the project mentor, artistic director, and an external expert
Selection Criteria:
- Artistic quality and professional experience
- Relevance of previous work to mask traditions, physical theatre, or trickster performance
- Motivation and commitment to collective creation
- Contribution to the diversity and balance of the participant group