Me voje 'nzura — rites of Lent (Pupattola)
Puppet theatre and Isernia's Lenten rites
About Me voje 'nzura
Puppets and Lent
«Me voje 'nzura» is a puppet theatre performance dedicated to the Lenten rites of Isernia and Molise, staged in Isernia, the provincial capital. The show combines puppets, dialect, folk culture, and the ancient Lenten ritual in a comical narrative set in a village context.
The Pupattola of Lent
At the heart of the performance is the ancient custom of the Pupattola (or Quaresima): a puppet in black clothes, depicting a female figure, which was hung in windows from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday. Symbolic foods were attached to the figure — cod, herring, peppers, garlic, oil, pasta, and dried fruit — to mark the time of Lenten fasting.
A Village Story
The plot follows Peppe and his friend Ntuniucce as they deal with their feelings for Deborah, under the stern gaze of Mmaculata, among characters like Zì Menechielle, Zì Cuncetta, and Zì Filumena, in a play of witty dialogues and village irony. The show, produced by Filitalia UMDI Molise Noblesse with direction by artist Mina Cappussi, is accompanied by live musicians and represents a tribute to the intangible heritage of Molise.
Me voje 'nzura — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the show «Me voje 'nzura» was staged on March 29, at 4:00 PM, at the Bar Centrale in Isernia. The puppet theatre performance revived the memory of Isernia's Lenten rites, featuring the tradition of the Pupattola della Quaresima, in a comical and dialectal narrative directed by Mina Cappussi and accompanied by live violin, percussion, and accordion.
Programme Me voje 'nzura 2026
Sunday, March 29
- 4:00 PM — Bar Centrale, Isernia: puppet theatre show «Me voje 'nzura» on Lenten rites and the Pupattola, with characters Peppe, Ntuniucce, Deborah, Mmaculata, Zì Menechielle, Zì Cuncetta, and Zì Filumena
Direction: Mina Cappussi. Production: Filitalia UMDI Molise Noblesse, in collaboration with research cooperatives and local associations. Live musical accompaniment (violin, percussion, accordion).
Highlights Me voje 'nzura 2026
Prices Me voje 'nzura 2026
Practical information — Me voje 'nzura
How to get there
Isernia is reachable by train (Rome-Campobasso/Isernia line) and by car via the SS17. The performance takes place at Bar Centrale, in the city centre.
When
March 29 (2026), 4:00 PM.
Admission
Check access procedures with the organizers.
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Where does it take place — Me voje 'nzura
Bar Centrale, Isernia
Bar Centrale, 86170 Isernia