Cesena hosts the second theatre performance: “Grounded. Learning Through Immersion”

Despite a lower turnout from local flood victims—announced shortly beforehand—the audience demonstrated strong engagement with the performance’s emotional depth.

The event served as a poignant reminder of ongoing environmental changes, intensified by recent local developments. Since the performance date was set, at least two additional red alerts for hydrogeological risk have occurred in the area, including one just a week before the show. As a result, many attendees arrived still grappling with the increasing frequency of such emergencies, a theme the performance helped them process.

The audience heard deeply personal stories, including that of a grandmother recounting her attempts to turn the first flood into an imaginative adventure for her grandson, about her daughter’s calm preparedness for subsequent evacuation alerts. Another moving testimony came from a public official who reflected on her role in organizing volunteers during the crisis, a gesture she viewed as paying forward the help she had received during a similar event years prior.

Volunteer stories added another layer of emotion, highlighting the strength of community networks formed in the wake of natural disasters and the collective awareness of trauma such events leave behind.

The PB Theatre actors skillfully embraced these narratives, creating a space for emotional resonance and connection. By the end of the performance, attendees expressed enthusiasm not only for the artistic experience but also for the opportunity to weave new relationships and engage in meaningful exchanges. For some, this was an introduction to the unique approach of PB Theatre, showcasing the power of live performance to foster empathy and community in even the most challenging circumstances.

The event was a success, reminding all present of the importance of shared stories and emotional solidarity in navigating times of change.

Photo credit : Fulvio Zambianchi