Shows and Events
The “Turba”: A Passion Play repeated every Good Friday
reference site: www.laturba.it
The “Turba” is a Good Friday Passion Play which indirectly traces its origins to the popular peace movements which were widespread in Marche and Umbria around the middle of the XIII century; these movements were brought to the streets and squares by the most humble members of the population, reduced to poverty, suffering and exhausted by the continuous fighting between the Pope and Manfredi and by the constant wars between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. Men and women of all ages gathered in processions and, as they invoked the holy intercession of the Virgin Mary, they travelled the roads of Umbria, reaching as far as the confines of Romagna. In the year of 1260, Cantiano also received this “turba” of repentant, imploring faithful believers of all ages and from every social condition. The poorly dressed or partially naked throng proceeded in suffering in the uncertain, flickering torch light, accompanied by the strains of the “miserere” as they pleaded for redemption, beating and flogging themselves, imploring forgiveness, invoking peace and brotherhood. It was thus that the Society of the Battuti was founded, and as they handed down this tradition of devotion, they would present, each year, The Passion and Death of Christ as the supreme example of penitence and sacrifice.
As the procession evolved, the figure of Christ was added to those of the various characters portrayed by the actors and the Passion Play began to take on form in the repetition of the rites, the characters, the dialogues and the scenes. And so it was that this theatrical procession came to life, with the immutable sequences of Jesus and the Thieves, the Priests and the Soldiers. Today, in memory of its ancient origins, this traditional theatrical procession has been given the name “Turba”.
The Turba is not a theatrical presentation, nor is it a folkloristic event. It is the most awaited day in the life of every member of the Cantiano community. An event which inspires them, an event on which they model themselves and into which they throw themselves - mind, body and spirit.
Cantiano lovingly embraces the Turba and the townspeople dedicate
their creative genius to this event. Mardigras comes and goes, and
as the Lenten season arrives and Cantiano comes to life. The scenery
is brought out and prepared, the costumes are adapted to this years
players, the actors prepare their roles and learn their lines.
Entire families become involved as mothers, fathers and children don
the traditional garbs, as did their ancestors in the past. The
fabrics are carefully chosen and the costumes are sewn in a
juxtaposition of religious devotion and city pride. The tradition of
the Turba has never been interrupted, except in periods of war, and
it has continued to grow over the years. Today’s presentation has
evolved from the most memorable editions: the 1940 Turba, staged by
Dante Bianchi who introduced the settings, the dramatic action and
the dialogues, and the 1954 Turba, under the direction of Pesaro’s
Carlo Vada in which make-up artists, set decorators and wardrobe
specialists set the scene for later editions, filled with great
theatrical effect. Each year, on Good Friday, the Turba, with new
additions and improvements, brings increasing numbers of spectators
from all over Italy, and the world, to Cantiano.
A great moment for the Turba
Cantiano was chosen to be one of the 11 Italian cities to enter into
the
Europassion,
the European Association that certifies the most prestigious Passion
Plays in Europe. In 1996, the Turba obtained the gracious patronage
from the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Patrimony of the
Church.
