SCHERZO at the Reggia di Venaria: a theatrical event to celebrate Carnival

From March 1 to 4, 2025, the Reggia di Venaria will be transformed into a stage of fun and surprises with the return of SCHERZO, a participatory theatrical event that mixes the magic of Carnival with the history of the Baroque court. The play, which is in its second edition this year, actively involves visitors in an experience that aims to go beyond the museum visit, making them become protagonists of a theatrical adventure, where the boundary between audience and actors becomes increasingly thin.

The plot of this edition revolves around a court party in honor of an ambitious young prince, who is ready to receive the announcement of a big surprise. In fact, among the guests, including many masked nobles, is his bride-to-be, the Marchesina, who is waiting incognito. It will be the meeting between the two of them that will be at the heart of a series of unpredictable events that will unfold, with visitors involved in every stage of the story, interacting with the characters and immersing themselves in the sumptuous atmosphere of a ball at Court, where everyone is free to pretend and play a different role, as per carnival tradition.

A Carnival at the Baroque Court

The goal of SCHERZO is to recreate the atmosphere of a Baroque carnival, in which dancing, music and dance come together in a kaleidoscope of emotions, in a celebration that aims to amaze and entertain participants. As in the noble courts of the 17th and 18th centuries, every detail is taken care of to ensure an extraordinary experience. In this sense, the gags and scenes proposed by the actors of the TRG Foundation of Turin are a journey through time, transporting participants to the world of the Royal Residences of Savoy. The Reggia di Venaria, with its architectural grandeur, becomes the ideal venue for this interactive theater experience.

During their stay at the Court, guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a mask-making workshop, inspired by the decorative masks found in the Reggia’s architecture, an activity that adds a creative touch to the event. This is an unmissable opportunity for children and families to experience the magic of Carnival with their hands as well, creating customized accessories for their festive costume. All this, accompanied by the traditional Carnival snack, with hot chocolate and the inevitable bugie, prepared by Caffè degli Argenti, for a sweet and mouth-watering break during the day of festivities.

The SCHERZO program will involve the public being involved in unexpected ways, with spontaneous appearances and interventions by theatrical characters who will enliven the different rooms of the Reggia, culminating in the grand final party in the Galleria Grande. The grand finale of the party will take place in an atmosphere charged with energy, where the spirit of Carnival, which for centuries has represented a time of liberation and merriment, will come alive in a whirlwind of sound and color. The event is included in the admission ticket to the Reggia and will be repeated in multiple sessions during the designated days, allowing everyone to participate, even those who cannot be present at a specific time. For the Carnival days, the Reggia di Venaria will extend its opening hours until 7:30 p.m. on March 1, 2 and 3, while on March 4 the hours will remain unchanged, closing at 6:30 p.m.

An event for everyone

With its dramaturgy, curated by Pasquale Buonarota, Claudio Dughera and Alessandro Pisci, and artistic direction involving numerous professionals, SCHERZO is an opportunity to rediscover the Reggia in a new light, in the name of fun and active participation. The event is a product of the Consortium of the Royal Residences of Savoy, in co-production with the TRG Foundation of Turin, which has fielded a team of top artists, including musician Mario Stefano Tonda on harpsichord, circus artists Alice Franceschini, Rachele Ferraro, and Laura Luchino.

SCHERZO at the Reggia di Venaria: a theatrical event to celebrate Carnival

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