“Minor: St. Francis through Rhyme and Color” is the title of a performance presented by the San Francesco Workshop of Bologna (based in the library of the same name and developed as a project of Laboratori Francescani ETS, a non-profit organization) to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis.
Actor Jacopo TREBBI, who shares the stage for over an hour with rapper Digiuno, also directed the production. He drew inspiration from Friar Maurizio BAZZONI’s work in Assisi, where he guides pilgrims and tourists through several frescoes from Giotto’s cycle The Life of Saint Francis in the Upper Basilica, interpreting them as a “paschal” journey from slavery to freedom.
Following the show’s debut and first performances (Bologna, Italy, April 18–19, 2026), the audience response convinced the creators they had indeed made something beautiful and meaningful; a work that, as originally intended, deserved to be shared more widely and enjoyed by others.
The show weaves together spoken word, images, and music in a continuous dialogue with Giotto’s frescoes, brought to life through projections and live performance. Alongside the narration, Digiuno’s original songs and freestyle rap open up a contemporary language capable of bridging the past and questioning its relevance today.
Alternating between emotion, irony, and poetic tension, “Minor” invites the spectators to confront their own forms of bondage and to recognize, through their relationship with others, and their courage to change, a real possibility for freedom.
The show is designed to be easily staged in a wide variety of settings: theaters, churches, halls, cloisters, courtyards, church squares, small public plazas, etc. The technical setup is minimal and adaptable; the company brings all necessary equipment on its own, making performances possible even in unconventional places.
We have received numerous requests in recent months, and the summer/fall schedule is currently being finalized. Costs are intentionally kept low and, depending on the distance from Bologna, generally range between €1,000 and €1,500 total.
The show runs about 70 minutes. The fresco adaptations are created by Appears, the videos are by Luigi DI MODICA, and costume consulting is by Sofia MARTELLO.
This production was created in collaboration with the photographic archive of the Library of the Sacred Convent of St. Francis in Assisi and with the patronage of the National Committee for the Celebration of the 800th Anniversary of the Death of St. Francis of Assisi, the Region of Emilia‑Romagna, the Municipality and the Archdiocese of Bologna, the Papal Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, and the Community of the First Franciscan Order of Bologna.
Among the upcoming confirmed performances in Italy are Padulle, in the municipality of Sala Bolognese near Bologna; Reggio Emilia, as part of Festincontro 2026; Ravenna, at the Basilica of St. Francis; and Assisi, on August 4.
For more details, download the PDF brochure at the following link:
Additional information is also available on the Officina San Francesco Bologna webpage at:
Officina San Francesco Bologna page
Friar Maurizio BAZZONI
San Francesco Library and Officina, Bologna
