The historical Bruscello of San Gusmè

From the 26^th – 28^th June in the small town of San Gusmè in the Castelnuovo Berardenga area, tradition once again comes to the fore, this time in a new guise: Romeo and Juliet in ottava rima.

This, the 2015 edition of the historical Bruscello located in the atmospheric setting of San Gusmè, will begin on Friday 26^th June at 9pm. The traditional homage to popular theatre, which celebrates its 18^th anniversary this year, will once again combine ottava rima, contemporary musical performances and striking visual stage scenery. The text, written by Giuseppe Scuto and directed by Matteo Marsan, will be performed by the Compagnia del Bruscello di Castelnuovo Berardenga. The musical arrangements will be curated by Mirco Mariottini, costumes by Laura Celesti and set design by Alfiero Mini and Fabio Tiezzi.

The historical Bruscello of Castelnuovo Berardenga, which disappeared along with share farming and which was reinstated at the end of the 90’s, has over the years managed to gather an ever-growing number of people and to attract thousands of spectators every year. The renewed 2015 edition, involving many young actors in comparison with previous years, signals a renewed belief in the future and an appreciation for the social and cultural patrimony represented by the historical Bruscello. To this purpose, the immortal tale of Romeo and Juliet has been chosen: two youths full of life living in a world of old angry cynics which condemns them to die, but their youthful love does not die with them. A timeless gust of spring air that promises to melt the ice of winter and disillusionment.

Tickets can be bought on the evening of the performances for the price of 10 euros, 8 euros concessions. On the evening of the performances it will be possible to eat dinner from 7-9pm in the town square, and to taste typical local dishes prepared by the women of San Gusmè.

For further information, please visit www.cantierebruscello.it or call: 335-6188690.

*Bruscello: a traditional Tuscan performance, whose name derives from the Italian word bruscello, or leafy branch, which is carried in the procession which opens the performance.

Translated by Claire Cocks