Cunties y Paois

Cunties y paoi - Legends & Butterflies

Of Moon and Sun, feeling and reason, of mythology and missing words

Theater in three acts, based on the legends of the Ladin valleys, and suggestions for missing butterfly names

A book by Mattia Maldonado, illustrated by Silvia Baccanti and Emil Valentini (Quorr)

ABOUT:
The Ladins are a linguistic minority in Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto, part of the larger Rhaeto-Romance language family. Originating from a people deeply connected to the land, forests, and mountains, their language is rich in terms related to farming and craftsmanship but struggles to adapt to modern life.
This project aims to encourage the usage of the ladinian language in various thematic areas to enrich its vocabulary and ensure its survival.
Focusing on butterfly nomenclature, the project draws parallels between Greek and Ladin mythology, creating new names for butterflies. These mythological figures, portrayed as butterflies, are woven into a theatrical monologue, emphasizing the loss of connection to nature and the need to reintroduce magic into our perception. The project also includes a systematic study of butterflies, explanations of naming choices, scientific illustrations, and an index of mythological figures mentioned in the monologue.