The story of Leonardo Da Vinci is woven into the world’s collective memory, yet his early years, marked by prejudice and the complexities of illegitimate birth, rarely find their way into the spotlight. In The Journey of Leonardo, a poetic and intense story-musical performance, creators Paola Balbi and Davide Bardi pull back the veil on the boy who would become a beacon of human potential, asking timeless questions about class, love, destiny, and parenthood in Renaissance Italy. So writes Alena Shmakova for theQR.co.uk…
Sitting in the front row proved to be the ideal way to experience this intimate production, appearing as part of the 2026 Scottish International Storytelling Festival. Remaining at eye level with the performers, rather than looking down from afar, evoked the timeless magic of sitting around a campfire, listening to travellers recount distant wonders. That feeling was instantly underscored the moment Bardi began to speak. Hearing the story delivered with an Italian accent unlocked a deeply moving, almost ancestral sensation: the feeling of a storyteller arriving from a far-off world, carrying fresh tales to share.
While the delivery occasionally leaned into a heightened, more formal theatricality—perhaps a natural byproduct of performing in a second language while simultaneously managing live storytelling and singing—the linguistic blend was handled with charm. Italian phrases were subtly woven throughout the English performance, delighting the ear without ever obscuring the narrative.
An Expressive Italian Soundscape
Balbi and Bardi brought a high-energy expressiveness to the stage. While Balbi’s portrayal of Leonardo’s mother, Caterina, occasionally tipped into slightly melodramatic territory, this heightened passion may simply reflect an Italian style of performance that leans fully into raw emotion.
“Remaining at eye level with the performers, rather than looking down from afar, evoked the timeless magic of sitting around a campfire, listening to travellers recount distant wonders.“
Underpinning the performance was a delightful, warm acoustic soundscape. Mario Costanzi’s guitar paired beautifully with Bardi’s rhythm on the tambourine, enriching the emotional beats of the journey.
Ultimately, this production is a touching tribute to the family roots that shape extraordinary minds. Through evocative live music and rich narrative, Balbi, Bardi, and Costanzi weave Renaissance history into a poignant exploration of social class, tragic romance, and the unconditional parental love that nurtured a young artist’s passion.
Featured Image: The Journey of Leonardo – Poster Image
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