FTP has always kept an eye on the European theatre scene, by hosting international companies and providing residencies for all of the artists, in order to create new pieces that are the result of a trans cultural collaboration process. In 2008 FPT is facing a new challenge with the opening of the new theatre, and is willing to use it with the same intention that always put in motion its initiative: the international production.
Fondazione Pontedera Teatro is nowadays a new model for cultural and artistic institutions in Italy. Since its beginning, it emerged as a multifunctional theatre where young dramaturges and theatre companies can develop their ideas. Today it offers formative courses and workshops in the theatrical field, representing a common place for artists, cultural operators and researchers. The spaces of Pontedera Teatro host innovative formative projects and are often used for social purpose, and, most importantly, they are also open to any trans cultural initiative.
Workshops and residencies complete the activity of the Theatre, which participated in many international projects hosting artists from all over the world. The Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richards is the emblematic structure within the Foundation that involves every year actors and scholars from different nationalities.
The network that FPT has created includes regional and national theatre companies, universities and schools, and international independent artists. In fact, the Foundation works in a systematic and organic way with artists and groups from Tuscany, and with national and international theatres; with scholars, theatre historians and University theatre and anthropology programs. It also carries out activities with local institutions, collaborating with high schools and the University of the Elderly.
Fondazione Pontedera Teatro is inaugurating (on 21st October) the new theatre ERA, a huge multifunctional structure, for hosting companies and productions. The theatre has two stages, a big external amphitheatre, a residency house able to host 20 artists, two rehearsal halls and a videothèque. It responds to the will of FPT to be active in international networking, becoming a reference point for young European performers.
foto di Simone Rocchi