The Unique Theatre Magic of Remo Di Filippo and Rhoda Lopez
(An article by Eris White)
In a world where words can divide, movement, music, and human connection still speak a universal language. That truth comes to life in the captivating performances of international theatre artists Remo Di Filippo and Rhoda Lopez — a creative duo whose work is transforming the way people of all ages experience storytelling across cultures, languages, and borders.
Recently seen captivating audiences with their deeply moving and visually stunning production “Variation,” Remo and Rhoda have been taking their art to schools, festivals, and cultural institutions worldwide. Their performances bring audiences on a journey filled with laughter, reflection, and curiosity — all with minimal dialogue, maximum emotion, and a beautifully handmade puppet at the heart of the show.
But “Variation” is just one example of the incredible work this pair is doing across the globe. Together, Remo and Rhoda form Di Filippo Marionette, a physical theatre company that blends puppetry, mime, live music, movement, and pure theatrical magic. Their performances often cross language barriers entirely, making them perfect for multicultural, multilingual, and diverse educational settings.
Two Artists, One Vision
Remo Di Filippo, originally from Italy, brings a rich background in traditional puppetry, physical theatre, and European stage arts. He crafts each of their wooden puppets by hand, infusing them with character, elegance, and the ability to express deep emotion with just a tilt of the head or a simple gesture.
Rhoda Lopez, an Australian performer with roots in Malaysia, adds her own vibrant energy, charisma, and powerful presence to their shows. A trained actor, singer, and physical theatre artist, Rhoda has worked extensively across theatre, film, and education — and her natural ability to engage audiences of all ages is a key part of their magic.
Together, their chemistry on stage is electric — sometimes comic, sometimes poetic, always full of soul.
The Puppet as a Third Performer
In “Variation,” the story revolves around a single puppet character who undergoes change, discovery, and personal growth. Despite being inanimate, the puppet becomes a fully believable and lovable figure through the artists’ detailed movement and expression.
As one audience member remarked, “I forgot it wasn’t real – it had feelings like us.”
This emotional connection is no accident. Remo and Rhoda use the puppet not just as a prop, but as a mirror to human experience. Without relying on words, they explore themes like identity, resilience, imagination, and inclusion — all relevant to children and adults alike, regardless of culture or language.
Reaching Across Cultures
What sets Di Filippo Marionette apart is their commitment to inclusive and accessible performance. Their shows are designed to connect with diverse audiences, reaching beyond any one community and into schools, festivals, and theatres around the world.
Whether performing in Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, or the Netherlands, Remo and Rhoda adapt their style to the setting, always keeping the audience at the heart of the experience. Their minimalist approach — often with just a few props, a puppet, and live music — allows their message to shine through without distraction.
In each performance, they also include moments of gentle interaction, inviting the audience to laugh, think, and sometimes even move along with them. In schools, theatres, and festivals, their spectators are not just passive viewers but participants, responding with wide eyes, bursts of laughter, and thoughtful silence.
Why Their Work Matters
At a time when many are overloaded with fast-paced digital entertainment, Remo and Rhoda offer something refreshingly human. Their performances are slow, deliberate, and emotionally rich — creating space for empathy, wonder, and imagination.
They remind us that great art doesn’t need explosions or flashy effects. Sometimes, all it takes is a puppet, a song, a well-timed movement — and two performers who truly believe in the power of human connection.
Looking Ahead
As their reputation continues to grow internationally, Remo Di Filippo and Rhoda Lopez are becoming leading voices in multicultural performance arts, especially in educational and festival settings. Their shows offer a unique way to promote cultural understanding, emotional intelligence, and creative thinking.
For schools, festivals, and community events looking for something truly different — something heartwarming, inclusive, and unforgettable — Di Filippo Marionette delivers.
Upcoming Performances:
From intimate school performances to major international festivals, their schedule for 2025 showcases the breadth of their work:
January 2025
12/01: “Variations” – Teatro Faber, Chivasso, Italy
21/01: Course – Perth Children’s Hospital, Australia
22/01: “Hanging by a Thread” – Margaret River Arts Centre, Australia
February 2025
09/02: “Hanging by a Thread” – Cinema Village, Tauranga, New Zealand
16/02: “Hanging by a Thread” – Vogelmorn, Wellington, New Zealand
22/02: “Hanging by a Thread” – Hamilton Arts Festival, New Zealand
March 2025
01/03: “Hanging by a Thread” – Italian Cultural Institute of Sydney, Australia
07/03: “Variations” – Kalamunda SHS, Australia
18/03: “Hanging by a Thread” – Canning Vale SHS, Australia
April 2025
07/04: “Hanging by a Thread” – St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Bunbury, Australia
18-21/04: “Hanging by a Thread” – Fremantle Street Art Festival, Australia
May 2025
17/05: “Hanging by a Thread” – BAM Festival, Milan, Italy
23-25/05: “Feather” – La Puntual Theater, Barcelona, Spain
June 2025
06-09/06: “Variations” – Asfaltart Festival, Merano, Italy
20-22/06: International FOF Festival, Offida, Italy
July – September 2025
25-26/07: “Hanging by a Thread” – Kleinest Fest, Bad Pyrmont, Germany
02-03/08: “Hanging by a Thread” – SMIAF Festival, San Marino
05-07/09: “Hanging by a Thread” – Artemigrante Festival, Macerata, Italy
24/09: “Variations” – World Puppet Festival, Charleville-Mézières, France
November – December 2025
07-08/11: “Hanging by a Thread” – Albaida Puppet Festival, Spain
28/12: “Hanging by a Thread” – Moriconi Theatre, Jesi, Italy
From school audiences to international festivals, the work of Di Filippo Marionette continues to cross borders, connect cultures, and bring people together through the timeless art of storytelling.
Remo Di Filippo and Rhoda Lopez during a recent performance.
…The duo’s performances, captured in stunning visuals (photo courtesy of Remo Di Filippo and Rhoda Lopez), reflect a deep commitment to storytelling through movement…