Thu 8 Feb 2024

Terra Incognita – The extraordinary journey of Marco Arsenale Water Show

Location: Arsenale Darsena Grande
Address: Arsenale Nord - Accesso Bacini - Venezia, 30121 Italia (Directions)

Double performance with “Terra Incognita – The extraordinary journey of Marco Arsenale Water Show”, at 6.30 pm e at 9.00 pm.


 

The events of Venice Carnival 2024 may be delayed, suspended, or cancelled, in case of weather conditions – verified at the specific sites and on the spot – that compromise a safe performance.

In these cases, it will be promptly communicated through on-site and web/social communication channels.

In case of rain, the show “Terra Incognita – The extraordinary journey of Marco” will be held regularly unless conditions are prohibitive (excessive wind or intense rain). Waterproof dressing is suggested, remembering that umbrellas may not be opened on the pier and grandstand seats during the performance.

 

 

“…There was never a man, be he Christian or Saracen, Tartar or pagan, who sought as much in the world as I did.

I am Marco Polo, a Venetian, and these are the colors, sounds, lights, and fragrances of my journey, destined to continue.

I am Marco Polo, the traveler, and I have not even told half of what I have seen.”

 

After the success of the 2022 and 2023 editions, the Arsenale confirms itself as the protagonist of an extraordinary and thrilling water spectacle: “Terra incognita. The extraordinary journey of Marco.” The show will enchant the waters of the Darsena Grande at the Arsenal for approximately thirty minutes, with a title that uses the cartographic term that has been in use since 1500 to indicate unexplored parts of the globe.

A performance that will make us relive the journey of Marco Polo, the young Venetian merchant who embarked on a 24-year journey to the East, beginning at the age of seventeen in search of new horizons and virgin lands, guided by his desire to explore the unknown. It encompasses his encounter with the Mongolian Emperor Kublai Khan and his return to Venice after twenty-four years of discoveries and inner travel.


Double performance with “Terra Incognita – The extraordinary journey of Marco Arsenale Water Show”, at 18.30 e at 21.00.


An imaginative narrative emerges from the waters of the Arsenal, freely inspired by Marco Polo’s “Il Milione” and told in a fantastical key through various creative languages of art that, like Marco’s journey, knows no bounds. The natural stage of the Darsena Grande is enriched with a nighttime scenography of dancing fountains, lights, and videos created by the synergy of art and technology between Antica Proietteria, Viorica Water Show, and Moonlight.

Nine performers from the French company Ilotopie take the stage with their surprising scenic machines, igniting the Venetian water with energy and creativity.

The performance is enhanced by the interpretation of two actors bringing Marco Polo to life: accompanied by the vessels of the Venetian Associazione Vela al Terzo, the young Tancredi Blu Silla with his refined interpretation gives substance and movement to the narrative, while actor Gaetano Ruocco Guadagno becomes the narrative voice of the text curated by the Venetian writer and historian Alberto Toso Fei.

Once again, the performance embodies the elegant gesture of body language, featuring five dancers from the Eastern company The East Dance Company Associazione ICCTPA, guiding us into the mystery of ancient Chinese legends with the dance of the four symbols, the dance of the swords, and the dance of the four seasons. A spectacle full of emotion to be experienced in a place rich in history and enchantment.


Double performance with “Terra Incognita – The extraordinary journey of Marco Arsenale Water Show”, at 18.30 e at 21.00.


The show is narrated by an actor who plays a text curated by the Venetian writer and historian Alberto Toso Fei: the complete text can be downloaded from this link

Video of the night show in the Arsenal 2023

Colophon:
A production by Vela Spa for the Carnevale di Venezia 2024

Artistic Direction by Massimo Checchetto
Concept and Direction by Enrica Crivellaro
Text by Alberto Tosofei, freely inspired by “Il Milione” by Marco Polo
Water Show by Viorica
Video and Sound Design by Antica Proietteria
Lighting Design by Moonlight
Narration by Gaetano Ruocco Guadagno

On stage:
Ilotopie
The East Dance Company – Associazione ICCTPA
Tancredi Blu Silla
Vela al Terzo

Special thanks for the collaboration to the Marina Militare Italiana.

TICKETS

Paid and free tickets reserved for residents of the Municipality of Venice can be purchased online on the website. They are also available, upon presentation of an identity document, at Vela Venezia Unica points in: Piazzale Roma, Iat Scalzi, Iat Correr Piazza San Marco, Mestre Piazzale Cialdini, Iat Aeroporto, Dolo, and Sottomarina.
Tickets are strictly personal, non-transferable, non-refundable, and non-modifiable. The entrance ticket can be printed or presented on a smartphone.

NB: All seats are seated and numbered.
During the reservation phase, spectators can choose to watch the show from the floating pontoons or the grandstands on the quay.

PRICES

Floating Pontoons

Central Gold Pontoon

  • Full: €40.00
  • Reduced under 18: €30.00
  • Family: €110.00 (2 adults + 2 under 18)

Free admission for children up to three years old, without a seat, when accompanied by an adult with an access pass.

Central Silver Pontoon

  • Full: €35.00
  • Reduced under 18: €25.00
  • Family: €95.00 (2 adults + 2 Under 18)

Free admission for children up to three years old, without a seat, when accompanied by an adult with an access pass.

Gold Pontoon

  • Full: €35.00
  • Reduced under 18: €25.00
  • Family: €95.00 (2 adults + 2 under 18)

Free admission for children up to three years old, without a seat, when accompanied by an adult with an access pass.

Silver Pontoon

  • Full: €30.00
  • Reduced under 18: €20.00
  • Family: €80.00 (2 adults + 2 Under 18)

Free admission for children up to three years old, without a seat, when accompanied by an adult with an access pass.

Grandstands

Central Grandstand

  • Full: €35.00
  • Reduced under 18: €25.00
  • Family: €95.00 (2 adults + 2 Under 18)

Free admission for children up to three years old, without a seat, when accompanied by an adult with an access pass.

Grandstand

  • Full: €30.00
  • Reduced under 18: €20.00
  • Family: €80.00 (2 adults + 2 Under 18)

Free admission for children up to three years old, without a seat, when accompanied by an adult with an access pass.

Discounted Rates for Residents of the Municipality of Venice

Central Grandstand

  • Full: €25.00
  • Reduced under 18: €17.00
  • Family: €67.00 (2 adults + 2 Under 18)

Free admission for children up to three years old, without a seat, when accompanied by an adult with an access pass.

Grandstand

  • Full: €20.00
  • Reduced Under 18: €14.00
  • Family: €54.00 (2 adults + 2 Under 18)

Free admission for children up to three years old, without a seat, when accompanied by an adult with an access pass.

Residents of the Municipality of Venice are entitled to free access exclusively in the dedicated grandstand areas (subject to availability) and reduced rates in other areas.
The organizer reserves the right to verify the right to reduction/free access and to carry out security checks.
Please note that the ticket only grants access to the show at the Arsenale.
Transportation service is not included. Umbrellas will be carefully picked up before the public sits down, to avoid opening during the show (prohibited for security reasons)

Safety rules for access to the the show

In case the organizer cancels the show due to bad weather, a refund will be issued.

Tickets available from January 17th, 2024

HOW TO REACH THE ARSENALE IN VENICE

On Foot

Pedestrian entrance through the walkway of Celestia – Arsenale Nord and access to the Arsenal through Tesa 105.
Access allowed only for spectators with a valid ticket for the show. Purchase on-site will not be possible.

Public Transport ACTV

The stop “Bacini – Arsenale Nord,” at the corresponding entrance, is served by ACTV lines 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2. Check the schedule by clicking here.

 

With Special ACTV Water Connection

Service dedicated ONLY to ticket holders for the show.

• from S. Marco-S. Zaccaria “A” to Torre di Porta Nuova/Arsenale: departures from 17:30 (for the 18:30 show) and from 20:00 (for the 21:00 show);

• from Torre di Porta Nuova/Arsenale to S. Marco-S. Zaccaria “A”: departures from 19:05 (after the 18:30 show) and from 21:35 (after the 21:00 show).

Permission to board is  allowed with the following Actv tickets: € 5.00 return journey tickets valid exclusively for route CA, time-limited travelcards (1, 2, 3, 7 days); Rete Unica season passes, Rete Unica tickets or ticket booklets – for waterborne service – enabled Venezia Unica cards.

 

How to reach us