Lumi – Il Drago Bianco: 25 Years of Sacred Fire and Scenic Poetry
Antonio Bonura, also known as Lumi – Il Drago Bianco, is a key figure in the European Fire scene. As an artist, director, trainer and artistic leader of the Opera Fiammae Company, he has embodied a powerful and spiritual vision of fire performance for over 25 years.
A Journey Shaped by Tradition and Craft
Born in Sicily, between his father's woodworking shop and his mother's sewing table, Antonio developed from a young age a creative eye as both artisan and inventor. In 2000, at the Cervantino Festival in Mexico, his passion for Fire was fully reignited—an element that would become central to his life.
Upon returning to Italy, he co-founded Le Code di Drago before creating the Opera Fiammae Company with his partner Tatiana Foschi, a troupe that blends visual power, baroque elegance, and artisanal craftsmanship.
Etna, Lumi, Nebula Solaris…
The character of Lumi, the Drago Bianco, was born two decades ago. A peaceful warrior and flamboyant mystic, he represents a balance of power and introspection. Through works like ETNA or Nebula Solaris, Antonio presents vibrant, immersive ritualistic experiences.
Nebula Solaris video (Venice Carnival):
Costumes, Flames, and Imagination
As a costume designer, scenographer and poetic machine builder, Antonio crafts his own special effects, props, and characters. He constantly explores, fails, and reimagines in his tireless quest for scenic magic.
A Traveling Artist… Rooted in Vision
Now based in a Tuscan ecovillage, Lumi remains a traveler at heart. Despite logistical challenges tied to Fire shows, he has developed flight-compatible performances and collaborates with companies such as La Salamandre and Ilotopie.
His appearance at the Palais de Tokyo for BCC in 2017 remains a strong memory: “I performed barefoot and shirtless in freezing temperatures—and yet the audience was incredibly warm.”
Follow Opera Fiammae
- Official website: www.operafiammae.com
- Instagram, Facebook, YouTube: Opera Fiammae
- More show videos available online
Final Words
“The artist’s job is to open hearts… Not just to deliver a message, but to let magic happen.” – Inspired by Leonard Cohen
