The bold and headstrong Pulcinella, the forefather of Jan Klaassen and many other theatrical characters, is still very much alive. For centuries, this rebellious Italian has made his presence known on the streets, on stage, and in the orchestra pit. Pulcinella is the jester who holds up a mirror to us. An outsider, he disrupts the established order with a wink and seems to get away with everything. His foolishness contains wisdom, and his mockery often carries a grain of truth. Many recognize his mask, but what face lies behind it?

Together with the Netherlands’ best-known mime artist Jochem Stavenuiter as Pulcinella, Pynarello sets out in search of the answer. As the musicians play their instruments, they become part of the choreography. Pulcinella challenges the already rebellious Pynarello to be even freer and more daring, while the musicians in turn urge him to finally remove his mask. Meanwhile, the jester continuously stirs things up, turning the entire ensemble upside down.

From Baroque composers such as Pergolesi, Gallo, and Monza to the great Stravinsky, all have drawn inspiration from Pulcinella. Their music forms the heart of this performance, partly in its original form and partly in new arrangements by Pynarello.