Research question

What are the propects for a living archive for puppet theatre? The aim is to transform the archive from a static database into a dynamic ecosystem which, in addition to the physical object, preserves the performance characteristics of Opera dei Pupi, creating a Knowledge Graph that allows users to navigate by stories as well as by keywords. This research approach shifts the focus from the mere digitisation of the artefact to an integrated system (puppet, scenes, repertoire, movement, voice, construction techniques) so that memory is not only preserved, but alive and reproducible. The model, a semantic and performative archive, will be transferable to any form of theatre, whether puppetry or not, and shared on international platforms such as Europeana.

Methodology for achieving the objectives

A mixed methodology is applied, based on practice-based and research-through-arts approaches. The first phase involves studying the collections, whilst the second focuses on planning logical steps that include the digitisation and cataloguing of the assets, through the creation of simplified records based on ICCD templates. Work will begin with the design of the first two steps, consisting of backdrops and signs, whilst the subsequent units will include a sample of the remaining materials (puppets, performances, etc.). The final project, which will not use standard metadata (Dublin Core), will develop a specific ontology for the Opera dei Pupi, based on semantic relationships. The achive’s true innovation will lie in capturing the intangible, via the digitisation of movement, the puppeteers’ voices and manipulation techniques.

Case studies

The subject of the research is the theatrical heritage preserved by the Marionettistica dei F.lli Napoli. The company, active in Catania since 1921, boasts a collection comprising puppets (260), replacement heads (150), backdrops (50), signs (350), performance scripts (180), set components, and a specific repertoire. This is the only collection of the Catania tradition of the Opera dei Pupi to have survived intact from the late 19th century to the present day. An initial comparison has been made with projects published online by various theatre companies and museums dedicated to puppet theatre: operadeipupi.it, hosted by the Antonio Pasqualino Puppet Museum, offers an archive comprising studies and a selection of artefacts from the museum’s collections or those of several important puppeteer families. Figureinrete.it, on the other hand, is a platform created in collaboration between the Compagnia Carlo Colla e Figli, the Teatro del Drago and Figli d’Arte Cuticchio: a project where users can view various video and audio recordings, as well as an archive preserving the digitised artefacts of the three companies.

Data analysis and interpretation of results

The research is currently in its initial stages. We have conducted a review of the relevant literature. We have also carried out an analysis and direct survey of the archival documents and artefacts held in storage, with the aim of making effective progress on the project and with a view to communicating and disseminating the final results via international platforms.