L'Officina di Via dell'Arco
The 'Tout public' family theatre festival in Valdera
About Officina di Via dell'Arco
A theatre festival for all ages
L'Officina di Via dell'Arco is a 'Tout public' theatre festival that enlivens the spring in Ponsacco, a town in the Valdera area of Pisa, Tuscany. The formula is simple and successful: taking theatre out of conventional venues and into the streets and squares of the town, with performances suitable for an audience the festival affectionately calls "aged 1 to 120." Puppetry, figure theatre, masks, and storytelling alternate in free events designed for families, children, and the curious of all ages.
From the street to the square
Born as a small festival in the spaces of Via dell'Arco and Corso Matteotti, the event has grown year after year, requiring a larger venue: from 2026, the heart of the Ponsacco performances moved to Piazza San Giovanni, capable of accommodating the growing audience following the Semi Volanti company. Some events also take place at "Lo Spazio dei Semi," the headquarters of the organizing company.
A widespread project in Valdera
Now in its 6th edition, the festival has expanded its boundaries, becoming a project spread across the Valdera territory, with shows also involving the nearby town of Calcinaia. The initiative intertwines performance and education, with collaborations involving local schools: a way to promote theatrical culture from childhood, valuing kindness, imagination, and cultural dialogue.
Who is behind it
L'Officina di Via dell'Arco is curated by the Compagnia Semi Volanti, with artistic direction by Eva Malacarne, and is made possible thanks to the support of the municipalities of Ponsacco and Calcinaia and local sponsors. Every performance is free of charge, confirming the popular and inclusive vocation of the festival, which aims to be an occasion for socialising and fun for the entire community.
Officina di Via dell'Arco — edition 2026
The 6th edition of the Officina di Via dell'Arco takes place from May 28 to June 26, 2026, growing into a widespread festival in the Valdera region. After the inauguration in Calcinaia on May 28, the events move to Ponsacco, in Piazza San Giovanni, the new venue chosen to accommodate the constantly growing audience. The programme features puppetry, figure theatre, and storytelling suitable for families and children, with the usual 'Tout public' spirit. The festival is curated by the Compagnia Semi Volanti under the artistic direction of Eva Malacarne and concludes on June 26 at Lo Spazio dei Semi. Free admission to all shows.
Programme Officina di Via dell'Arco 2026
May 28 — Calcinaia
- "Cappuccetto Rosso, Nodino e la danza sciolta" — Compagnia Semi Volanti (two performances)
June 12 — Ponsacco, Piazza San Giovanni
- "Le penne dell'Orco" — Teatro delle Dodici Lune, puppet and actor show
June 19 — Ponsacco, Piazza San Giovanni
- "Hansel & Gretel" — Compagnia L'Ultima Fila, mask and figure theatre
June 26 — Ponsacco, Lo Spazio dei Semi
- "Osvaldo e Zeppo & C." — Compagnia Semi Volanti, puppet show with children's workshop
The exact times of the individual shows have not yet been published by the organisers.
Highlights Officina di Via dell'Arco 2026
Prices Officina di Via dell'Arco 2026
Practical information — Officina di Via dell'Arco
Where
Performances in Ponsacco take place in Piazza San Giovanni and, for some events, at "Lo Spazio dei Semi." Some dates of the widespread festival are held in Calcinaia. Ponsacco is located in Valdera, in the province of Pisa.
How to get there
By car, Ponsacco is easily accessible from the SGC FI-PI-LI (Pontedera area exits) and the Valdera regional road. The nearest train station is Pontedera-Casciana Terme, on the Florence-Pisa line, from where you can continue by bus or car.
Admission and info
Admission to all performances is free. As these are open-air performances in the square, in case of bad weather, it is advisable to check for any changes with the organisers of the Compagnia Semi Volanti.
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Where does it take place — Officina di Via dell'Arco
Piazza San Giovanni
Piazza San Giovanni, 56038 Ponsacco