In September 2026, the majestic landscape of the Crestola Quarry (Cava Crestola) in Carrara was transformed into the stage for a unique artistic experience. The theatrical rite and performative journey titled “Meraviglia” marked the third chapter of the Wunderkammer³ cultural project, curated by Natascia Bascherini and supported by Franchi Umberto Marmi.
A Living Dialogue of Light, Sound, and Stone
Conceived and directed by Matteo Tarasco, the performance turned the quarry’s extraction site into a true stone theater of light, sound, and movement. Through a poetic descent, the words of Linguae Animae—carved directly into the marble—transcended into vivid imagery, soundscapes, and gestures.
Along this journey through darkness and light, the marble was far from a mere static backdrop; it emerged as a living, breathing presence deeply interconnected with the performers and the audience.
Architecture and Education within the Carrara Landscape
“Meraviglia” was also the culmination of the final Construction Workshop of YACademy’s Master’s program in Spiritual Architecture, developed in collaboration with Franchi Umberto Marmi and led by COR Arquitectos.
The lanterns and structural frames built by the students were seamlessly integrated into the performance space, becoming an essential, functioning element of the scenic experience itself.
The Philosophy Behind the Initiative
This initiative reflects the broader cultural mission of Franchi Umberto Marmi to bridge Apuan marble with contemporary art, architecture, and technology. By elevating the quarry from an industrial site of raw extraction into a living realm of narrative and spirituality, “Meraviglia” underscores the timeless ability of natural stone to inspire new forms of cultural expression.
