"Cooking with your Feet"

All over the world, Italy is known and admired for its beauty, its works of art, and the literary, musical, and artistic talent of its people, who have created a place full of good taste, joy, and la bella vita.

In particular, Italy has perfected the art of fine dining. Who was the first author to write about Italian cuisine? Who collected, tested, and published the first book of Italian recipes? Who united Italy… through cuisine? Who turned cooking into an art?

It was Pellegrino Artusi! He was born in 1820 in Romagna, at a time when Italy was still divided into many small, independent states. He loved cooking and explored Italian culinary identity, studying traditional dishes and their local variations. In Florence, he found his most trusted companion, Marietta, and with her help, he experimented with a collection of recipes, which he later published in his book *Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Good Eating*. His work was published in more than 20 countries and rivaled literary giants such as Manzoni and Collodi, the creator of Pinocchio.

In “Cooking on the Go,” the genius of Pellegrino Artusi is recounted through the affectionate eyes of his faithful assistant, Marietta. The setting is Italy in transition between two centuries, between Romanticism and Modernity, accompanied by the arias of Rossini, Verdi, and Puccini.

Amidst pots and pans, fruit and vegetables, dreams and reality, these two incredible characters in the hands (or rather on the feet!) of actress Veronica Gonzalez will present us with a sensitive performance infused with the flavor of the culinary arts.

Music, poetry, rhythm, grace, and beauty are the ingredients of this new production by TEATRO DEI PIEDI, in collaboration with Casa Artusi (www.casartusi.it) and the Emilia-Romagna Region.

Directed by Laura Kibel and performed by Verónica González, two artists who have been active on the international theater and television scene for more than 25 years. Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, and awarded for its originality and visual impact, TEATRO DEI PIEDI continues to evoke unforgettable emotions.

Duration: 50 minutes

Audience: All ages/Family

Concept: Laura Kibel & Verónica González

Performer: Verónica González

Director: Laura Kibel

Artistic Director: Rocío Matosas

Puppets, Costumes, and Props: Laura Kibel, Rocío Matosas

Music supervision: Gaetano Ferrara

Voice of Artusi (Italian): Mauro Magliozzi

Photography: M. Marchetti / E. Biguzzi

Video: GeoMultimedia

Production: Teatro dei Piedi

Premiere: June 2017 (Italy)