On Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 5:30 PM, the “Aperitivi in danza” Festival —organized by MOTUS at the Centro Internazionale d’Arte (Via Mencattelli 5/7, Siena) with the support of the Municipality of Siena—will dedicate the evening to the art of comic for audiences of all ages.
The exhibition dedicated to Maria e il Buio by Daniele Marotta takes us to the heart of Siena, where a young girl, aided by the spirits of the Contrade, flees from a looming shadow. It is an illustrated journey that teaches both adults and children that the courage to defeat the Darkness already lies within us. The exhibition features thirty panels—depicting a magical city and a breathtaking escape—drawn by Daniele Marotta, a comic book artist, illustrator, and educator. Marotta is an internationally acclaimed artist and co-author of successful graphic novels such as “Superzelda” (published in Europe and the USA) and “Inferno 1861” (a noir reimagining of the Risorgimento); he also collaborates with “D – La Repubblica”.
In 2022, he produced “L’Ombra” (based on Andersen) — one of the world’s first graphic novels created entirely using generative AI — placing himself at the center of the debate regarding illustration and artificial intelligence. Alongside his artistic work, he has spent years conducting research in education and independent micro-publishing. In 2013, he founded theScuola di Fumetto e Scrittura di Siena, which he directs. In 2018, he was Weissman Visiting Artist at Connecticut College (USA). He is the creator of the Siena Comics for Kids festival and the founder of the independent label Inkdrop Studio and of the Collettivo Bandagialla.
Following the exhibition opening, the MOTUS Company will present a brief dance performance, offering a preview of the show La Madrina, which will be presented at the Teatro dei Rinnovati on Wednesday, March 11, at 9:00 PM, in the frame of the Teatri di Siena season — directed by Vincenzo Bocciarelli. Choreographed by Martina Agricoli and directed by Rosanna and Simona Cieri, the show is performed by Ilaria Fratantuono, Roberta Morello, Eleonora Pucci, Mattia Solano, and Martina Agricoli herself.
The event will end with a buffet, to allow the artists and the public to interact in a convivial atmosphere.
The ticket price is 12 euros (reduced 10 euros).
Information and reservations: info@motusdanza.it or +39 0577 286980.