Interreg Cooperation Day 2026: Theatre and Inclusion in Barletta with “Pinocchio – A Child Like All the Others”
On 30 October, Teatro Curci will host a performance exploring disability, independence and cultural accessibility, as part of the European ART4ALL project. Free admission upon registration.
The Interreg IPA South Adriatic 2021–2027 Programme is celebrating the 15st Edition of Interreg Cooperation Day 2026, using the universal language of theatre to encourage reflection on everyone's right to participate fully in cultural life. On Friday, 30 October, at 8:00 PM, Teatro Curci in Barletta will host “Pinocchio – A Child Like All the Others”, a performance directed by Tonio De Nitto, featuring Fabrizio Tana an actor and writer with Down syndrome and Factory Compagnia Transadriatica.
The event is organised as part of ART4ALL – Improving Cultural Accessibility Across Border, a European project co-funded by the Interreg IPA South Adriatic 2021–2027 Programme.
For the 2026 edition, the Programme is Cultural accessibility is essential to ensuring that everyone can participate in artistic and cultural life, express themselves and feel part of their community. This is the starting point for ART4ALL, a European project that aims to improve access to culture for people with disabilities through inclusive artistic activities and the involvement of cultural and theatre professionals.
The project promotes a more accessible cultural environment that overcomes barriers and values diversity, encouraging new forms of participation and collaboration among cultural institutions, artists and communities.
ART4ALL brings together five partners from Italy, Albania and Montenegro: Pino Pascali Foundation (Lead Partner, Italy), Factory Compagnia Transadriatica social enterprise (Italy), Museum of Contemporary Art of Termoli (Italy), Urban Research Institute (Albania) and Cultural Center Homer NGO (Montenegro).
“A Child Like All the Others”: Who Decides What It Means to Be Normal?
What does it mean to be a child like all the others? And who decides what being “normal” really means?
Inspired by Carlo Collodi’s famous character, the performance offers an original and moving reinterpretation of the story of Pinocchio. At its heart is Fabrizio Tana, an actor and writer with Down syndrome, who co-wrote the play with Tonio De Nitto, weaving personal thoughts, wishes and experiences into the theatrical narrative.
The Pinocchio who comes to life on stage is curious, unstoppable, disobedient and full of energy. His journey is one of growth and self-discovery, driven by the desire to become independent, make his own choices and assert his identity.
The familiar wish to be “a child like all the others” becomes an open question about normality, society’s expectations and everyone’s right to be recognised for their own uniqueness. With sensitivity and depth, the performance invites audiences to challenge stereotypes and look at disability from a perspective that puts the individual, their aspirations and their potential first.
Through this event, the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme aims to show the results of European cooperation tangible and visible, showing how joint efforts across territories and countries can create opportunities, foster inclusion and open up new perspectives for communities.
Because cooperation truly makes a difference when it reaches people, breaks down barriers and creates opportunities that are accessible to everyone.
How to Attend and Collect Your Ticket
When: Friday, 30 October 2026, at 8:00 PM
Where: Teatro Curci, Barletta, Italy
Recommended age: 7+
Admission: Free, upon online registration.
To attend, please register using the dedicated form: REGISTER TO ATTEND.
After registering, you can collect your ticket directly from the Teatro Curci box office on the day of the performance, Friday, 30 October, during the following hours:
· Morning: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
· Afternoon: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
A Small Gesture Makes a Difference
Please register only if you are sure you can attend. If your plans change, cancel your booking or notify the organisers so that someone else can take your place.
This simple gesture helps make the event more accessible and allows more people to enjoy this cultural experience.
For information or to report changes to your registration:
· Email: js@southadriatic.eu
· Phone: +39 349 391 6007
Join us at Teatro Curci to celebrate European cooperation through theatre, inclusion and the value of every individual.