The Art of Strings: Di Filippo Marionette Brings the Magic of Puppetry to ILC

On May 2, 2026, the Italian Language Centre in Lutwyche, Brisbane, became a stage of enchantment as Di Filippo Marionette brought their internationally acclaimed puppet theatre to life. Offered by the Italian Consulate and hosted by the Italian Language Centre (ILC), the event celebrated Italian artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange delighting the enthusiastic audience of children and adults alike.

A Celebration of Craft and Creativity
Di Filippo Marionette, the duo of Remo Di Filippo and Rhoda Lopez, is renowned for handcrafted wooden marionettes and poetic performances that transcend language. Each puppet is carved and assembled by hand, with precise attention to movement and expression. Their clothing, lovingly made by Remo’s mother, adds warmth and individuality to every character, making each figure a small masterpiece of family artistry.

The Story Behind the Artists
Founded in 2010 by Italian puppeteer and actor Remo Di Filippo, Di Filippo Marionette is an Italo-Australian company dedicated to the art of puppet theatre. Remo trained in theatre at the University of Bologna and worked in commedia dell’arte and various theatrical genres before discovering his passion for puppetry at the “Casa Taller de Marionetas de Pepe Otal” in Barcelona, where he learned the art of puppet construction and animation.

In 2014, Filipino-Australian performer Rhoda Lopez joined the company, bringing her extensive experience in theatre, singing, and dance. Together, they create their marionettes in their workshop in Offida, Italy, infusing each piece with artistry and personal expression. Their performances combine movement, music, live singing, and interaction between puppets and their “manipulActors.”

The company has produced three major shows: Appeso ad un Filo, a poetic and humorous introduction to their marionettes; Variations, which follows Proto, a puppet exploring technology, fragility, and self-awareness; and Piuma, a playful and captivating performance for young audiences.

Di Filippo Marionette has performed in theatres, festivals, schools, hospitals, and prisons across more than 30 countries, earning numerous international awards. They also direct the FOF puppet theatre festival in Offida, contributing to the cultural vitality of the Marche region.

Emotion in Motion
The Brisbane performance unfolded through a series of vignettes – stories of friendship, solitude, and love – told entirely through movement and music. The marionettes, animated with astonishing precision, seemed alive as they danced, embraced, and expressed emotion with human-like grace. Rhoda Lopez’s live singing added depth and atmosphere, her voice blending seamlessly with the puppets’ gestures to create moments of pure theatrical poetry.

Connection and Atmosphere
The intimate setting of the Italian Language Centre allowed the audience to experience every detail – the smooth woodwork, intricate joints, and expressive faces of the marionettes. Children watched in awe while adults smiled with nostalgia. The evening ended with a standing ovation and a chance to meet the artists, who shared insights into their craft and the stories behind their creations.

A Cultural Highlight for Brisbane
The event, offered by the Italian Consulate and hosted by the ILC, was a highlight for Brisbane’s Italian community and performing arts lovers alike. It showed how traditional art forms continue to inspire across cultures, uniting audiences through shared emotion and imagination. As the final applause faded, one truth lingered: Di Filippo Marionette had not just performed – they had touched hearts.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on 2 May for an inspirational cultural experience in the magic world of puppetry. It was a celebration of craftsmanship, artistry, and the enduring magic of storytelling, and we hope you enjoyed this unique cultural experience.