I Giullari Di Piazza

(The Players of the Square)

Italian Folk Music Theatre, Tarantella Dance, & Commedia Dell' Arte 

Celebrating the Living Folklore of Southern Italy

 I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA is devoted to presenting authentic Southern Italian music/dance/theater, dating back to the 13th century, as well as creating new musical and theatrical works based on folk music and dance, ritual theater, and Commedia dell'Arte.

Alessandra Belloni Live Appearance on ABC-TV7 Chicago

 Mission Statement

I Giullari Di Piazza's mission is to educate theater & school audiences in the rich folklore of Southern Italy through concerts, theatrical productions & workshops based on the extensive library & field research done by our directors, Alessandra Belloni & John LaBarbera. Our troupe specializes in the improvisational style of Commedia Dell'Arte Theater combined with folk music and dance traditions of Southern Italy using masks & giant puppets.  

Through the creation of new works based on ancient traditions our goal is to encourage Italian American awareness, interest, & pride in this rich ethnic heritage, most of which has been lost due to integration & assimilation into the American culture. As Artists in Residence at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, we have been able to reach our goals & continue to educate both Italian American & general audiences. Our artistic director has also established a training program of folk music & dance at the Italian American Museum in Little Italy.

 "Spider documentary" on National Geographic