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In a world where democratic radicalism reigns and there is a current of thought that goes under the label “cancel culture”, in American universities it is not possible to tackle the study of ancient poems such as “The Metamorphoses”, considered a manual on rape.”
Marina Valensise, managing director of the Inda Foundation, explains in a few words the mission of the National Institute of Ancient Drama Foundation: «The whole classical myth is based on violence against women and on the abuse of the gods and the resistance that humans oppose to the whim of the gods. We have the task of safeguarding this heritage and making it known in its truth. In America Antigone cannot be staged because of the anti-women phrases, we do not exercise any censorship but we spread knowledge in its truth.” The best way to present «The Metamorphoses» from Ovid, co-produced by the Archaeological Park of Syracuse, Eloro, Villa del Tellaro and Akrai and by the Inda Foundation and which will debut on Sunday 21 June in the unusual and evocative setting of Latomia del Paradiso.
The show, translated by Caterina Mordeglia, with dramaturgical adaptation by Francesco Morosi, is signed by Giuliano Peparini, who announced a “journey” that will lead to the discovery of a wonderful place and exciting stories. «The Metamorphoses will be a project that will involve many young talents – said Peparini – and we will give them the opportunity to express themselves in a unique place. Staging this show means giving people the opportunity to escape from reality and experience a magical moment.”
«The Metamorphoses» was supposed to mark Peparini’s debut at the Greek theater in Syracuse years ago: «Perhaps this is precisely the right space for the Metamorphoses. I’m happy to be able to evoke them. We chose the myths of Cyane, Orpheus and Eurydice who are the pop stars of the Metamorphoses, Apollo and Daphne, Narcissus and some others. Chaos is a fundamental moment and we will see it as we are representing it. Because only after chaos is one reborn and can something start again. It is the end of one period and the beginning of another. They are the metaphors of life. What’s in there represents us, tells us, reminds us.”
Peparini explains that he chose young people: «It is a deliberate choice. The beauty of the place gives us the possibility of not being perfect from some points of view. I liked to add young people who are still studying for the musical part. I wouldn’t have done it at the Greek theater. But in this natural stage that doesn’t need anything: the theater is in the noise you hear, in the light that enters in some moments. Like young people who are sometimes impeccable, sometimes less so, like nature.”
The audience will enter the caves, then stop in the central space and then exit from the central corridor with the demons that will accompany them. On stage, the actors Giulia Acquasana, Clara Borghesi and Gabriele Crisafulli, all former students of the Accademia dell’Inda, in the roles of narrators, and Gabriele Beddoni who plays Narcissus. The protagonists will be the young actors of the Accademia del Drama Antico and the performers of the Peparini Academy. And four students from the music section of the Tommaso Gargallo classical high school in Syracuse. «It is a source of great pride – declared Francesco Italia, president of Inda – that through the magic of theater and entertainment, such beautiful places come back to life. I am convinced that use also guarantees protection.” The director of the archaeological park Carmelo Bennardo underlined how «The Metamorphoses is part of a project aimed at making the archaeological park accessible even in the evening», explaining that «the park is investing resources to make the Latomie accessible». Daniele Pitteri, superintendent of Inda, highlighted the Foundation’s continuous contact with the territory.
The costumes are by Valentina Davoli, the choreography by Francesco Saracino, the videomapping by Vincenzo Villani, the direction of the choir is by Elena Polic Greco while Simonetta Cartia is the director of the singing choirs. Le Metamorphoses will be on stage on 21, 22, 24, 25, 27 and 28 June and from 1 to 5 July with two performances in the evening, at 9.15 pm and 10.15 pm
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