On a cold morning, two tourists linger to admire the beauty of a small Venetian square while their large cruise ship resumes its journey. Left behind on land, they soon realize they are “trapped” in a magical reality suspended in space and time, where an ancient but fascinating language is spoken. The clock of history in this little square seems to have stopped in the 18th century, and the square gradually fills with its protagonists: Lucieta, Gnese, Zorzeto with their funny mothers, and then Il Cavalier Astolfi, Gasparina, and her “despotic” uncle.

The two unsuspecting visitors find themselves, unseen, watching and commenting on the events that enliven the square and are typical of Goldoni’s comedies: amorous skirmishes, parties, games, and inevitable quarrels.

Only in the evening, when their large cruise ship passes by the square again, will our two “time travelers” be able to return to their own era. And who knows if one of the protagonists of the Campiello might be eager to take advantage of this window into the future to embark on a new adventure?

Through a escamotage, this adaptation of Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari’s work gives the viewer a sort of modern magnifying glass to observe Goldoni’s world, immerse themselves in it, and fully grasp all its nuances and… why not? All its modernity!