Teatro all'improvviso - Dario Moretti

Teatro all’improvviso was founded in 1978. It began with popular theatre and puppet theatre, then curiosity and the need to explore new forms of art gradually transformed Teatro all’improvviso into its present form, in which painting, music, poetry and irony are the central elements of its artistic research.

Working for children has always been a conscious choice, linked to the need to engage with an audience that is open and receptive to dialogue and interaction. In over forty years of activity, Teatro all’improvviso has mainly produced performances for children aged 3 to 10, seeking above all to stimulate emotions, play and critical thinking.

It is a non-commercial theatre, oriented towards forms of art capable of provoking curiosity and encouraging audiences to explore the themes and artistic languages presented. Dario Moretti founded Teatro all’improvviso in 1978 and has been its artistic director ever since.

In 1980, the company was officially recognised by the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment. At that time, Dario Moretti contributed to the development of theatre for children and young people, which in Italy was not yet recognised as an important sector of the performing arts.

Through constant research into languages, techniques and dramaturgy, working closely with schools and engaging with other artists, Dario Moretti identified theatre for children as his artistic vocation. From 1978 to 2021, he wrote, directed and created around 70 performances, many of which were invited to festivals and events throughout Europe, as well as in Russia, Brazil, the United States, Japan, Turkey and Tunisia.

Dario Moretti’s work in painting has produced not only performances, but also original workshops, presented both in Italy and abroad. Alongside his theatre work, he has written and illustrated more than 20 books for children, created installations and designed sketches for posters and brochures used at various festivals and events.

While maintaining the Teatro all’improvviso headquarters in Mantua, where he has established a strong artistic connection with the local area, Dario Moretti has continually sought collaborations beyond his own city. He has also worked with numerous theatre companies and theatres on set design, direction and theatrical productions, both in Italy and abroad.

Dario Moretti’s theatrical research has developed across numerous artistic languages. Beginning with puppet and object theatre, his work has expanded into the languages of the body and voice, exploring themes related to contemporary art and incorporating sculpture, painting, live music and dance.

Throughout his career, Dario Moretti has collaborated with many Italian and international artists, including Giorgio Rossi, Azio Corghi, Sonia Bergamasco, Cecilia Chailly, Michela Lucenti, Trygve Seim, Eric Oberdorff and Fabio Sajiz.

Since 1995, he has organised and conceived numerous events in Mantua, including the Summer Solstice and Carnival celebrations, both held in the prestigious setting of Palazzo Te.

In 2006, he conceived and organised Segni d’infanzia, an international festival of art and theatre for children, which is now one of the most important theatre festivals for young audiences in Italy.

In 2011, he founded KumaEdizioni, a publishing house specialising in art and theatre books.

In 2017, Dario Moretti received the Ciampi “L’altrarte” Award for his commitment to the arts, ranging from theatre to sculpture and painting.

In 2024, he received the Giuliano Scabia Award for creating, through his productions, an original and highly recognisable theatre for young audiences, rooted in his identity as an artist across disciplines, before being an actor and author.