Lucignolo e il Fuoco — Fire as a Universal Language
✨ Portrait of a Traveling Artist
Fire artist, traveler without fixed ties, craftsman of his own tools, Paolo Mele, known as Lucignolo e il Fuoco, embodies a singular vision of the performing arts, blending personal philosophy with poetic improvisation. His stage name, inspired by the character Lucignolo from Pinocchio, nods to the free and mischievous spirit that guides curious souls toward the unexpected.
"Like the character who leads Pinocchio into a world of wonders, I've always wanted to choose for myself what is right or wrong, and explore the world on my own terms."
Originally from Naples, Paolo now lives without a fixed place, moving to the rhythm of his tours, creations, and encounters. In 1998, during a trip to Spain, he first discovers fire as an art form. But it is in Aurillac, in 1999, that the true spark ignites. Playing the djembe on the streets to fund his travels, a humid night causes his drum's skin to break.
Instead of finding a repair, he finds a revelation: around a bend, two flames dancing to the rhythm of drums.
"It was such an intense experience that I stopped thinking about repairing my drum. I found the deepest skin of my soul: the dance of Fire."
This pivotal encounter leads him to abandon music in favor of movement. Back in Italy — in a world without social networks, tutorials, or guides — he crafts his first staff from a wooden stick found on the beach. A literature student by day, waiter in his spare time, Paolo dedicates every free moment to this new passion, which he cultivates with tenacity.
"I didn't even know one could make a living from this art. I didn't want to become a professional. I just wanted to dance."
🔥 The Call of Fire
This revelation in Aurillac wasn't immediate. That very evening, the magic was interrupted: a police raid ended the dance of drums and flames. On the ground, a still-burning bamboo staff lay abandoned as artists scattered to avoid sanctions.
The next day, as he's about to leave town, Paolo meets a thin, barefoot young man who helps carry his bags to the station. Along the way, he recounts the troubling scene from the night before. The other smiles:
"That was me, dancing with Fire last night."
This stranger, a Shiva mystic, teaches him two initial movements and imparts much more: the awareness that the flame is pure energy, and that dancing with it means aligning one's own rhythm with that of the fire.
"Harmonizing our frequencies with the flame. Creating visual waves in sync with the music. It's the only way to dance freely and safely with Fire."
From this encounter arises a quest, an intimate commitment. Back in Italy, Paolo begins daily practice with the sole aim of achieving harmony — between body, rhythm, space, and object.
🪶 The Beginnings of a Self-Taught Artist
At that time, circus schools in Italy were reserved for families from that world.
No open training, no networks — only the sacred fire of experimentation.
But for Paolo, this constraint becomes a strength. He chooses his disciplines, his mentors, his pace.
"No exams. No judgment. No diplomas. Just passion."
He juggles university, odd jobs, early performances, and develops a unique bodily language, influenced by both rave culture and village festivals where musicians are rooted in traditions older than Christianity.
His first paid gig marks a turning point: a man offers him a short fire performance at a village festival.
"He offered me in 10 minutes what I earned in three days as a waiter. And he really paid me! For doing what I loved most in the world."
💫 From Local to International
Invitations multiply, fees increase, independence sets in.
Paolo enriches his practice by exploring visual arts, dance, acrobatics, mime, fire in all its forms: staffs, fans, fire eating, fire breathing...
He becomes a complete artist, recognized for his sensitive and organic style.
The Stromboli festival in 2009 marks a milestone: he meets fire artists from around the world for the first time. A decisive opening to the international scene, solidified in 2013 when he's invited to Paris for the Temple of Fire at the Palais de Tokyo, during an event organized by the BCC.
"It was incredible to share this energy in such a prestigious venue, in front of a passionate audience, open to all forms of wordless language."
🛠️ Creation, Transmission, and Collaboration
Far from being just a performer, Paolo is also a creator. He crafts his own props — over 90% of his stage accessories are handmade.
"It's a way to transmit my energy to them. And sometimes, other artists ask me to make theirs."
Each creation is born from an impulse: a sensation, an image, a phrase, a dream. He nurtures this inner drive, feeds it through visualization, and lets his body express it.
"When the impulse is strong enough, the whole system gets going."
Currently, he is developing a duo with Marta (artist from the Diya collective), titled Una Lamp — an intimate and organic creation, enriched by exchanges and resonances. Their synergy gives rise to powerful stage moments, blending light, fire, and silence.
💬 Message to Fire Artists
"Find yourself. Be yourself. Your creations will be stronger and more appreciated if they are rooted in reality.
Keep your feet as grounded as possible, and your dreams reaching for the sky. Never lose touch with reality – the fire will stay with you only if your presence is real and conscious of the risks."
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