A Classic Tale Reimagined: Carlo Gozzi’s The Love of Three Oranges Comes to Life in an Anime-Inspired Theatrical Adaptation
March 31, 2025
A classic is about to be reborn on stage in a bold and visually stunning new theatrical production! The University of Louisville Department of Theatre Arts is thrilled to announce an anime-inspired adaptation of Carlo Gozzi’s The Love of Three Oranges. Originally penned in 1761, Gozzi’s The Love of Three Oranges is a whimsical commedia dell'arte play that follows a cursed, melancholic prince, on a magical adventure to find love in the most unexpected of places —inside three magical oranges. The story brims with humor, satire, and fantastical elements, making it a perfect candidate for a reimagined stage production infused with anime aesthetics and dynamic theatricality. A Spectacle of Fantasy and Anime-Inspired Performance The upcoming production will transport audiences to a visually stunning world that merges the spirit of 18th-century Italian theater with the vibrant energy of anime. Featuring breathtaking costumes, stylized movement inspired by anime fight choreography, and immersive projection mapping, this adaptation will blend traditional theater with modern multimedia elements to create an unforgettable experience. Directed and adapted by Dr. Ari Calvano, this stage production remains true to Gozzi’s original themes while integrating the expressive visual language of anime.
Performance Information
The production is set to debut in April at the Thrust Theatre with a limited run. Tickets are available now at louisville.edu/theatrearts
The performance dates are as follows:
● Friday April 4th @7:30pm
● Saturday April 5th @7:30pm
● Sunday April 6th @2pm
● Wednesday April 9th @10am - Student Matinee
● Friday April 11th @7:30pm
● Sunday April 13th @2pm - ASL Interpreted Performance
About The University of Louisville Department of Theatre Arts
Our mission is to create Art in Action: theatre that is engaged and inclusive, rigorous and enjoyable, thoughtful and transformative. Theatre Arts at UofL challenges students to become critical thinkers who take pleasure connecting with local, national, and global communities through live performance. Graduates explore the world with the courage, discipline, and practical skills required of theatre artists—imagination, empathy, critical analysis, craftsmanship, problem solving, social awareness and collaboration.
Box-Office/Publicity Contact: Stephan Carpenter sbcarp03@louisville.edu 502-852-6814 louisville.edu/theatrearts
