Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities: A Toy Theater Atlas

Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities: A Toy Theater Atlas

Toy Atlas Theater (Chicago, USA)Professional company

60 minutestheatre
Calvino’s stunning language springs to life in a cascade of trapdoors, surprises and reveals. As Kublai Khan feels his empire eroding beneath him, Marco Polo forms the slipping sands into the cities of the emperors dreams. This adaptation in miniature casts a dreamlike spell over the audience using live projection, puppetry, paper mechanics and living sculpture as two performers manipulate tiny cameras on a small table. This show has been stunning audiences in theatres and barns across the United States, including a sold-out run at the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival.

About the show

Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities: A Toy Theater Atlas is a puppetry and adaptation piece by Toy Atlas Theater from Chicago, USA, performed at Edinburgh Festival Fringe. As Kublai Khan feels his empire eroding, Marco Polo conjures the cities of the emperor's dreams from slipping sands. The adaptation brings Calvino's language to life through trapdoors, surprises and reveals — using live projection, puppetry, paper mechanics and living sculpture, with two performers manipulating tiny cameras on a small table. The 60-minute show is suitable for ages 8 and over with no content warnings, making it an accessible and enchanting experience for families and adults alike.

Why see this show?

Two performers, a small table, and a cascade of miniature wonders — this production from a Chicago company takes one of literature's most beloved novels and reimagines it as a dreamlike puppet show. Suitable from age 8, it is a rare treat for adults and younger audiences together.

Event Details

Wednesday 5 - Sunday 30 August 2026

All performances at 19:30

25 performances

60 minutes

theatre

Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, above Victoria Street

View on map

2 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Ticket Price

£13 (9)

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the show?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

What is the age guidance?

Suitable for ages 8 and over.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets start from £13, with a concession price also available. See the booking link on this page for current ticket prices.

Where is the show performed?

At theatre.

Are there any content warnings?

No content warnings are listed.

What techniques does the show use?

Live projection, puppetry, paper mechanics and living sculpture, with two performers working with tiny cameras on a small table.

About This Theatre Production

Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities: A Toy Theater Atlas is a theatre performance at theatre during Edinburgh Festival 2026. Running for 60 minutes, this show is part of the world's largest arts festival, bringing together performers and audiences from across the globe.

Experience compelling storytelling brought to life by talented performers. Theatre at Edinburgh ranges from intimate black box productions to grand stage spectacles.

Venue: theatre

theatre is one of Edinburgh's Festival venues, hosting a variety of performances throughout August. Located in the heart of the city, the venue is accessible by public transport and within walking distance of other Festival locations.

Tips for Attending

  • Check for trigger warnings if sensitive to certain topics
  • Most Fringe theatre runs without interval
  • Latecomers may not be admitted
  • Consider matinee performances for a relaxed experience

Booking Information

Ticket Prices: £13 - £17

Age Guidance: 8+

Content Warnings: None

Book early to avoid disappointment. Popular shows sell out quickly during Edinburgh Festival.

Part of Edinburgh Festival 2026

Edinburgh Festival transforms Scotland's capital into the world's leading cultural destination every August. With thousands of performances across hundreds of venues, the festival offers unparalleled choice for culture lovers.Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities: A Toy Theater Atlas represents the theatrical innovation that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

Looking for more theatre shows at Edinburgh Festival 2026?

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Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API