In the heart of Leverano, a town known for its wine heritage and baroque architecture, the Ciak Salento Association brings contemporary theater to one of Puglia's most evocative settings. Così diversi, così uguali unfolds within the ancient cloister of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where stone arches and centuries-old frescoes frame a performance that explores themes of difference and unity. This is theater as it was meant to be experienced—intimate, immersive, and anchored in a space that whispers its own stories.
Where Stone Walls Meet Living Stories
The cloister itself is a performer. Built in the late medieval period, the convent's open-air courtyard is framed by porticoes that cast shifting shadows as the sun moves overhead. The acoustics here are extraordinary—every word resonates against weathered stone, creating a natural amplification that no modern theater can replicate. Rows of simple seating fill the central space, but the real backdrop is the architecture: vaulted ceilings, worn terracotta floors, and glimpses of the bell tower rising above.
Performances typically begin in the early evening, when the light softens and the summer heat relents. The cloister garden, dotted with fragrant jasmine and ancient olive trees, becomes part of the atmosphere. You'll hear the distant hum of Leverano's evening passeggiata drifting over the convent walls, grounding the performance in the rhythms of daily life.
The Ciak Salento Touch
Ciak Salento Association has built a reputation for productions that are accessible, thought-provoking, and deeply local. Their work often draws from the social fabric of Puglia—stories of migration, family, community, and identity. Così diversi, così uguali is no exception, weaving a narrative that feels both universal and intimately rooted in this corner of the Mediterranean. The cast includes both seasoned actors and local voices, creating a performance style that's polished yet warm.
- Arrive early to explore the cloister and convent chapel before the performance begins
- The stone benches can be hard—bring a small cushion if you have one
- Photography is usually permitted before the show starts, but silence your phone once it begins
- After the performance, actors often linger for informal conversation in the courtyard
- Leverano's centro storico is a five-minute walk—perfect for a post-show aperitivo
What to Pair with Your Visit
Leverano is surrounded by vineyards that produce some of Puglia's finest Negroamaro and Primitivo wines. Several family-run wineries offer tastings within a short drive, and the town's historic center is dotted with wine bars that pour local labels by the glass. If you're visiting during the day, the Dolmen Li Scusi, a Neolithic megalithic monument just outside town, offers a fascinating detour into the region's ancient past.
The Ionian coast is less than fifteen kilometers away—beaches like Torre Lapillo and Punta Prosciutto are ideal for a pre-theater swim. Alternatively, explore the nearby town of Copertino, crowned by one of Puglia's most impressive Renaissance castles, or head south to Nardò to wander its extraordinary baroque piazza.