TWO MOMENTS. ONE PASSION : FIGURE THEATRE

A festival celebrating the art of figure theatre in all its forms.
In August, within the Grado area, performances for all ages will chronicle the history and evolution of this tradition in Italy and across Europe.
Then, in October, between Gorizia and Nova Gorica, the stage opens to new trends in European figure theatre, welcoming enthusiasts and the curious eager to discover fresh perspectives.


Grado

18. — 22. August

As the height of summer approaches, Grado is transformed into an open-air stage, captivating both young and old. Amidst its charming alleys, squares, and gardens, a vibrant array of performances—featuring puppets, shadow theatre, marionettes, and object theatre—brings the historic centre and local “shop windows” to life. This five-day event is spread throughout the town, where the artistry of figure theatre sparks the curiosity of passers-by and ignites the enthusiasm of loyal spectators, fostering a continuous dialogue between tradition and wonder.

The Festival’s Showcases

  • The mysterious castle

    Monday, 18 August
    6:00 pm
    San Canzian d’Isonzo – Largo Garibaldi (Pieris)

  • Berta’s journey

    Tuesday, 19 August
    6:30 pm
    Cividale del Friuli – Parco Italia

  • Berta’s journey

    Wednesday, 20 August
    6:30 pm
    Farra d’Isonzo – the garden behind the town hall

Gorizia e Nova Gorica

3. — 8. October

In the heart of autumn, the festival moves between Gorizia and Nova Gorica, a cultural crossroads between Italy and Slovenia.
Here, puppet theater becomes contemporary: it experiments with new languages, interacts with technology, and weaves together music, dance, and visual arts.
The program is designed for those seeking fresh visions, with original authorial shows, international projects, and proposals that look to the future.
Two cities, one shared stage to collectively imagine a new way of storytelling with figures.

The curtain is set to rise…
Our full program is nearing completion. Be sure to check back soon to discover the performances that will define the autumn in Gorizia and Nova Gorica.
In the meantime, find inspiration in the workshops and projects we’ve already unveiled below.

Our workshops

Workshop Lighting Guerrilla

Strip Core/ Forum Ljubljana
2-4 Ottobre 2025, Gorizia
Art&Puppets Project ( SPF GO! 2025  financed by Interreg ITA-SLO 2021-2027 – managed by GECT GO )

The 34th edition of the Alpe Adria Puppet Festival Gorizia/Nova Gorica, European Capital of Culture 2025, offers 12 young people over 18 with prior knowledge of video making the chance to participate in a free three-day workshop during the festival. The workshop, led by Stella Ivšek and Urša Čuk from the Beam Team in Ljubljana, will culminate in a Flash Art installation, with a projection in the city center on the evening of Saturday, October 4th.
The workshop is dedicated to exploring the use of video mapping in site-specific artistic projects, focusing on the application of video in urban spaces. Through hands-on activities, participants will learn the fundamental principles and methods of video mapping, developing their own conceptual and visual approaches to projects on architectural and spatial elements.

Download the project call and find out how to participate

Project SpettAttore

SOLD OUT

The Alpe Adria Puppet Festival in Gorizia/Nova Gorica, European Capital of Culture 2025, offers 10 audience members the chance to participate in all scheduled events from a new and exclusive perspective, from Friday, October 3 to Wednesday, October 8, 2025. It’s a special opportunity to learn about contemporary puppet theater and become an active and engaged spectator, fully immersing yourself in the festival’s atmosphere.

The idea behind the project is that it’s no longer enough to just “watch a show.” It’s essential to have a shared experience that restores theater’s social function and simultaneously becomes an opportunity for both individual and collective education and growth.

Download the project call