Inspired by the museum’s permanent exhibition, which begins with prehistoric times and focuses on Messapian and Ancient Greek artifacts, this site-specific performance incorporates twelve large-scale photographs by Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky.

These works document the ecological disaster caused by the Xylella fastidiosa bacterium in Salento, which has no cure and has led to the destruction of 21 million ancient olive trees.

The original show invites the audience to witness and feel the hidden values deeply rooted in the archaic power of statues and sacred objects. In contrast with the vulnerability of the human body, this performative ritual seeks to awaken “remembrance” and create a visceral experience of unity with our cultural heritage, nature, and the cosmos.

Constantly inquiring into sensory experience, "Ancient Souls In Human Bodies" combines multiple tools of expression, activates different levels of perception, and explores both seen and unseen realms of reality.

The piece is created with the “Anamnesis” method, developed by Apostolia Papadamaki over the last eight years at significant archaeological sites in Greece. The original music, composed by Trifon Koutsourelis, enhances the immersive and emotional depth of the performance.

Direction, choreography, dramaturgy: Apostolia Papadamaki Original music score: Trifon Koutsourelis Lighting and sound designer: Lorenzo Paladini Videographer: Paolo Caputo Performers: Angelica dell’Anna, Paraskevi Bakis, Ermelinda Bircaj, Sara Colonna, Simone Imbriani, Daniela Nisi, Rossella Notarnicola, Anna Maria Massante, Titti Mastria, Arianna Marangio, Virginia Michail, Miriana Moschetti, Cosimo Muci, Claudia Roselli, Samuele Spagnolo, Gaia Quarta.

Production of Accademia Mediterranea dell'Attore directed by Franco Ungaro Production Management: Tempora / Contemora #4, Rossella Rotarnicola Communication & Promotion: Accademia Mediterranea dell’Attore Museo Sigismondo Castromediano, Lecce, Italy Tempora /Contempora #4 September 2023

Anamnesis Site-specific and participatory performance Artistic Director Apostolia Papadamaki