The opera was divided into three acts and elaborate scenic effects were used to increase the spectacularity of the performances, such as fake blood spilling from wounded puppets in battle or the simulation of burning cities.
The opera performance is defined by precise roles.
The characters are voiced by the “parraturi” who improvise the dialogue, and the “maniante” uses his or her hands to make the puppets move using bars and string hidden by scenery flats behind backdrops.
The puppet tradition was added to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List in 2008.
