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One family, one story, one art passed down since 1948

The theatrical culture of puppetry was and remains a heritage worth cherishing — an art that speaks to all ages and hearts, crossing geographical and temporal boundaries.

Our Identity

A life dedicated to the art of puppetry

Close-up detail of the Mercurio family handcrafted puppets
Antonino Mercurio backstage at the Mercurio Puppet Theatre in Sorrento

A living and vibrant cultural phenomenon that succeeds in bringing the community together in a perpetual adventure through time. Through my deep love for this work, I am able to spark curiosity and share my own passion for the art of puppetry with the many curious onlookers — young and old alike — drawing them in and involving them in a collective joy that renews itself from place to place, from performance to performance, from audience to audience.

The Mercurio family is not just a name: it is a symbol of dedication, passion and respect for a tradition that risks disappearing. For nearly a century, generation after generation, we have chosen to preserve and pass down the art of Neapolitan puppet theatre. Every member of the family contributes their own skills and love for this art, transforming every show into an authentic and unforgettable experience.

From the handcrafted creation of the puppets to the performance on stage, everything is the fruit of the work and passion of those who have made this tradition their life.

Our Story

The heart behind the puppets: who we are and what drives us

Behind every show there is a family that has chosen to dedicate its life to this art. Three generations united by the same passion, the same dedication, the same dream.

The Mercurio family team during a travelling puppet show in the square

The Mercurio Family

Antonino and Raffaella are the beating heart of the puppet theatre, supported by their children Ciro Maria, Cristiana and their nephew Fausto: the faces and stories of those who carry this legacy forward with pride.

Ciro Mercurio, founder of the Mercurio Puppet Theatre in Sorrento

Our Origins

It all began in 1926 with Ciro Mercurio, a pioneer who transformed puppet theatre into a family passion. From him to Antonino, the tradition continues across three generations.