To mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Carlo Collodi, Marco Polo – The Italian School of Sydney presents a cultural program celebrating the author of The Adventures of Pinocchio.
The program includes a number of events throughout the year and complements the 26th Week of the Italian Language in the World, whose 2026 theme is “Lingua geniale: ideare, progettare, creare con l’italiano”.
1. Pinocchio – An ACO Families Production
Saturday, 25 July 2026 | 10.30 am
Riverside Live at PHIVE, Parramatta
An event organised by Riverside Theatres Parramatta, Marco Polo is sponsoring tickets for young children ages 3-8 to experience Pinocchio, an Australian Chamber Orchestra production bringing Collodi’s timeless story to life through theatre and live music. Written by award-winning playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer, with original music by Bryony Marks and directed by Tim McGarry, the production explores courage, love, growing up and what it means to be human.
Suitable for children and families. Please contact learning@cnansw.org.au for tickets through the Marco Polo – The Italian School of Sydney.
2. Pinocchio – A Musical Adventure
Tuesday, 6 October 2026 | 11.00 am
Q Theatre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith
Presented by the Penrith Conservatorium of Music, Marco Polo is sponsoring tickets for students aged 5+ to experience this special Spring School Holidays performance which brings together the Richard Bonynge Ensemble, Glenbrook Ballet Theatre and Q Theatre Mini Performance Ensemble for a magical retelling of Collodi’s Pinocchio. Featuring music from Alexander Litvinovsky’s Pinocchio Suite, the 50-minute production combines live music, expressive dance and storytelling as Pinocchio journeys from Geppetto’s workshop into a world of adventure, temptation, courage and discovery.
Suitable for ages 5+. Relaxed Performance. Please contact learning@cnansw.org.au for tickets through the Marco Polo – The Italian School of Sydney.
3. Collodi the Genius, Pinocchio Ingenious
Saturday, 28 November 2026 | From 10.00 am
Club Marconi, Bossley Park
Marco Polo’s major end-of-school-year cultural and professional development event will celebrate the bicentenary of Carlo Collodi through presentations, discussions and workshops exploring the literary, linguistic, educational and cultural legacy of Pinocchio.
Keynote Speakers
Dr Andrea Pagani – Monash University
Lecturer and researcher in Italian Studies and an expert on Carlo Collodi, with research focusing on school literature, Italian national identity and the educational, linguistic and cultural dimensions of Collodi’s work.
Mr Lucio Fioretti
Educator, Italian language teacher and theologian by passion. Drawing on the writings of Giacomo Biffi, Fioretti explores the spiritual and theological dimensions of Pinocchio and their connections with faith, education and Italian culture.
Workshops for Students and Teachers
Pinocchio-themed workshops for children and school-aged students will run alongside the main presentations. Afternoon workshops for teachers and the wider community will provide opportunities to explore Collodi’s work from literary, educational, linguistic and cultural perspectives.
Marco Polo Awards 2026
The event will also feature the presentation of the Marco Polo Awards 2026 for Excellence in Italian Language and Culture in NSW Schools, recognising outstanding students and teachers for their contribution to the learning, teaching and promotion of Italian language and culture across New South Wales.
Participation is free. Advance registration is required.
Morning tea, refreshments and a buffet lunch will be provided.
Full programme and registration details coming soon.