La Luna nel Pozzo Festival

Theatre under the stars in the Ostuni countryside

The La Luna nel Pozzo Festival is one of the most evocative summer events in the Province of Brindisi. It takes place in Contrada Foragno, in the countryside of Ostuni, within an ancient 18th-century masseria surrounded by monumental olive trees in the heart of the Valle d'Itria. Here, theatre is not confined to a stage but inhabits the landscape: performances unfold among the trees, in the courtyard of the farmhouse, and in a small stone amphitheatre, creating a journey that combines art, nature, and wonder.

The history: from the dream of two actors to a cultural hub

La Luna nel Pozzo was born in 1999 from the meeting of two actors, Robert McNeer and Pia Wachter, formerly of the Teatro Kismet company in Bari, who identified the Valle d'Itria as the ideal place to bring their artistic dream to life. Over the years, the masseria has become a cultural centre dedicated to theatre and the arts, and its summer festival is now a benchmark for figure theatre, clowning, and contemporary circus in Puglia, attracting both Italian and international companies.

How to experience an evening

The festival follows a family-friendly format. Guests are welcomed from the late afternoon, with doors opening around 6:30 PM, allowing time to enjoy the masseria's spaces before the shows begin:

• a walk through the meditative labyrinth among the olive trees;
• a visit to the biodiversity garden of the Orthia Project, dedicated to biodiversity and land stewardship;
• the masseria courtyard, animated with games, workshops, and activities for children.

At sunset, guest artists open the evening with short original stories, creating a suspended atmosphere; this is followed by theatrical performances in various areas of the park and, as a finale, a collective farewell ritual under the stars that brings the audience together.

A programme of theatre, shadows, and circus

The artistic programme weaves together theatre, clowning, shadow puppetry, contemporary circus, storytelling, and intimate concerts. The shows are designed to be enjoyed by an intergenerational audience: children, teenagers, and adults share the same sense of wonder in a natural setting that becomes part of the performance itself. It is this ability to unite art and landscape that makes La Luna nel Pozzo a unique experience compared to the standard summer calendar.

Ostuni and the Valle d'Itria

The festival is also an excellent opportunity to discover Ostuni, the famous "White City" of the Province of Brindisi, and the surrounding Valle d'Itria territory, with its masserie, trulli, ancient olive groves, and the sea of the Upper Salento just a few kilometres away. Spending an evening at the masseria means combining the magic of theatre with the identity of one of Puglia's most beloved landscapes.