On the occasion of the celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi (1226–2026)

from the work by
Franco Zeffirelli
Brother Sun, Sister Moon

stage adaptation by
Angela Demattè

based on the original screenplay by
Franco Zeffirelli, Suso Cecchi D’Amico and Lina Wertmüller

under the patronage of
SAN FRANCESCO 1226–2026
National Committee for the Celebration of the Eighth Centenary of the Death of St. Francis of Assisi

production: International Music and Arts | AGIDI | Fondazione Sipario Toscana onlus – La Città del Teatro | Oliver and Friends

Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna is a new theatrical project dedicated to the extraordinary human and spiritual story of
St. Francis of Assisi, created in celebration of the 800th anniversary of his death.
Inspired by Franco Zeffirelli’s acclaimed 1972 film — an international success that won the David di Donatello Award in 1972 and received an Academy Award nomination in 1974 for Best Art Direction — the production brings to the stage, through a contemporary theatrical language, the story of Francis and his universal message of fraternity and peace.
The film left an indelible mark thanks to the poetic power of its imagery and the unforgettable music by Donovan, adapted in the Italian version by Riz Ortolani.
The theatrical adaptation is based on the original screenplay by Suso Cecchi D’Amico, created together with Zeffirelli and Lina Wertmüller, and is signed by Angela Demattè, one of the most significant voices in contemporary Italian dramaturgy.
An outstanding artistic team, brought together under the attentive and refined direction of Piero Maccarinelli, gives life to a production that intertwines acting and singing in a choral and poetic narrative. The film’s music has been rearranged for the stage by Alessandro Nidi, who also composed original pieces specifically created for this project.