The project for “A Theatre of Stone in Nature”, basically a ‘rethink’ of the long abandoned Roncino quarry, was conceived to be modifiable over a period of time and therefore open to further transformation in the future if so needed.
The architectural strategy is based on three fundamental principles: modularity, transparency and flexibility. These three aspects determine an approach which allows for a constant dialogue not only with the quarry’s natural surroundings but also with future theatrical producers who will be able to shape and model the space according to their specific needs. In practical terms, the construction process involves the superimposition of three main components: a steel modular structure, modular cladding panels of local stone and ‘modular constructions’ or ‘prefabricated volumes’, into which will be incorporated the so called ‘gabions’ (welded wire cages) filled with local stone.
The area of the quarry chosen for the events displays all the typical architectural features of a theatre which effectively conveys the idea of a symmetrical structure notwithstanding the irregularities of the quarry walls. The project is developed around a central space enclosed by the two walls of the quarry which house the supplementary activities.
The project for “A Theatre of Stone in Nature” stands out as an example of architectural and landscape design which draws on the natural context and the industrial archeology of the location, thus ensuring the continuation of a narrative and enabling future generations to actively experience these spaces and also to contribute to their transformation.
Tones on the Stones has converted an old and abandoned quarry into a permanent theatre enveloped in nature. The Roncino quarry is located in Oira, a hamlet in the Ossola Valley surrounded by woods, terraced vineyards and ancient villages of stone built houses. The surrounding landscape shows just how deeply tied the history of this area is to quarrying and to the cutting and carving of stone, as witnessed by the extensive use of stone in local architecture. This is the historical, economic and cultural heritage that Tones on the Stones has always tried to highlight and expand upon.
The conversion of an industrial workplace into a cultural site is also seen as an opportunity to develop an area which already has a strong tourist vocation. Transforming a ‘critical issue’ into an opportunity, promoting the combination of Culture and Nature in a historical moment that has effectively exposed the fragile nature of urban fabric, strikes us as an interesting and highly motivating challenge.
The new Theatre will become the home base for Tones on the Stones, creating a space for so called ‘site-specific’ productions and international co-production projects, as well as spaces to host workshops for training artists and for courses open to everyone on environmental sustainability issues.
The Theatre will stimulate Tones on the Stones in its mission to further pursue research into digital technologies applicable to the production of outdoor live performances which will give rise to productions of large ‘immersive’ theatrical performances and to audio-visual experimental projects and installations with artists in residence. Above all, we now have a space, a real ‘shot in the arm’ for us, where we can meet, compare and create, and in which ‘digital’ is totally at the service of ‘analogue’ and where ‘digital’, as never before, manifestly appears to be the most important aspect of the whole creative process.
Hatis Noit is a London-based Japanese artist and singer who is the creator of a deeply emotional yet avant-garde music, where gagaku, Opera, Bulgarian chants and pop find a perfect astral conjunction, thanks in part to a visceral and unique voice that has captivated artists such as David Lynch and won praise from publications such as the New York Times and the Guardian surrounding her latest album Aura.
Najaaraq Vestbirk (b. 1987) also known as Courtesy, is a Danish artist based between Copenhagen and Berlin. Her multidisciplinary practice began on the dancefloor, using it as a starting point to
examine the organic relationships formed between strangers, investigating the ways people coalesce
in these transcendent spaces and the intimate exchanges that occupy it. Spanning installation,
composition, DJ sets, performance, photography and video, Vestbirk is highly interested in the liveness and interactive potential of performance, particularly in collective exchange and questioning
ways in which the artist can absolve the line between artist and audience.
Gang of Ducks is a multidisciplinary platform from Turin.
Gang of Ducks Soundsystem will celebrate the platform’s ten years anniversary with two special dj sets.
Holy Tongue is a project of percussionist Valentina Magaletti with producer Al Wootton and Japanese multi-instrumentalist, composer, and artist Susumu Mukai: the trio travel through dub, dance and psychedelia for a high-energy performance bordering on a spiritual experience.
Pontus Lidberg is a Swedish choreographer, director and dancer, author for some of the most important companies such as Paris Opera Ballet, New York City Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company and Vienna Staatsoper. He will present an excerpt of the new work intended for the Biennale Danza 2023 in a site-specific version together with dancer Paulo Arrais.
Raised in the industrial suburbs of Turin, Stenny is one of the most longeve Ilian Tape affiliates. His research draws from club culture and avant-garde electronics, fusing elements of Techno and Bass Music. He offers an adventurous and versatile DJ set, dodging genre boundaries through precise and intuitive technique.
In 2019, Pitchfork magazine described his debut album ‘Upsurge’ as a counter-argument to the more rigid strains of Techno, “an impressive testament to introspection and personality.”
Gang of Ducks is a multidisciplinary platform from Turin.
Gang of Ducks Soundsystem will celebrate the platform’s ten years anniversary with two special dj sets.
Born Mariachiara Troianiello, Katatonic Silentio moves the border between electronic music, performing arts and sound studies. Her sets oscillate between an analog past and a frenetic technological future, mixing concrete, dub and ambient music to arrive at ethereal soundscapes of pure abstraction. Performing alongside the independent artist and researcher Francesco D’Abbraccio as Lorem, a multimedia project using Neural Networks and Artificial Intelligence.
Lorenzo Senni, one of Italy’s most celebrated artists, will present a very special live audio-visual performance. He has performed some of the world’s leading cultural institutions and festivals, from Centre Pompidou in Paris to Tate Modern in London, to Sonar and Primavera. A multidisciplinary artist with a punk/hardcore background and now devoted to, among other things, the deconstruction of trance, Senni’s research touches fields as diverse as visual art, fashion, film, theater and television.
Richie Hawtin is a genuine original. His critical acclaim spans the creative realm of the fine art community to the technological vanguard. Meanwhile, as a performing artist, he is constantly pushing conceptual frontiers, moving things forward, welcoming as many as he can to ideas and experiences that would have seemed pure science fiction when he began his career.
VTSS has quickly established herself as one of the most vital, uncompromising and visible new talents in the electronic music scene. As a DJ VTSS cuts an imposing figure in the upper reaches of big (dark) room, peak-time energy. At the same time, her productions have moved from distinctive, disruptive variations of club music towards a more diverse, highly personal strain of electronica.
3-days ticket pass that includes the full music program for the nights of July 21 and 23 with access to camping spot for the nights of July 21 and 22
Domodossola Station
Novara – Domodossola line
Milano – Domodossola line
The public bus service schedule is limited, you may not be able to reach the festival by bus at all times. It is recommended to check in advance the itinerary to plan your trip. You can use the festival’s social channels to organise group cars and rides.
Piazza Matteotti, 23 – Domodossola
Tel. 0324.243700
Satellite coordinates: 46.177417, 8.321972
Superstrada del Sempione, follow signs for Crodo, SS 659, exit marked Oira.
The car park is located very close to the quarry, in front of the Caseificio Ossolano plant at Oira.
Superstrada > exit for Oira > take the road running parallel to the Caseificio Ossolano