Creative & Visual Arts 2024 | 11 Leading Theatre Production Organisation – Italy One of the finest and best-preserved archaeological sites in Italy, the majestic Roman Theatre of Volterra tells a rich story of an ancient past. Excavated in the 1950s, the theatre was constructed towards the end of the 1st century b.C. on commission by the prestigious Caecina family. Now, it is home to the Volterra Roman Theatre International Festival, an annual event of high accord designed to highlight and celebrate the cultural and historical vibrancy of Volterra and it’s theatre in Italian art scene. We speak to Simon Domenico Migliorini, Founder and Artistic Director, to learn more. The Volterra Roman Theatre International Festival was founded in 2003 after almost a decade of meticulous development and innovation, a period during which routine spot interventions were undertaken in order to truly understand the obstacles and opportunities being faced by this colossal project, and the conservative sensitivities congruent with such a significant monument as the theatre. Paying close attention to theme and quality, the festival has provided a large platform for unrecognised talents of all ages to celebrate Volterra and build their name. Productions are led by its Creator, Founder, and Artistic Director, Simon Domenico Migliorini, an impassioned individual who has distinguished himself on both a national and international level for his expertise. Simon leverages his unrivalled experience to lead the Volterra Roman Theatre International Festival to success and over the years, the Festival has achieved worldwide fame. The event offers Volterra’s citizens and tourists a wide array of multidisciplinary shows, ranging from prose and poetry to music, singing, and dancing. This comprehensive suite of offerings ensures that the Volterra Roman Theatre International Festival serves as an instrument for the valorisation of the City of Volterra’s monumental, urban, archaeological landscape and intangible heritage.” “The mission of the festival is to have an impact on our city, the territory, and the Tuscany region,” says Simon, “through operations of great creative originality that create a distinction when compared to other similar and already more deeply rooted events. Our references are those of the great international festivals. Our mission is to try to produce wealth through beauty, poetry, and sensitivity; a wealth that is not only tangible, but also of the soul.” International Festivals are regularly held around the world, but the Volterra Roman Theatre International Festival sets itself apart for its unmatched location in the architectural wonder of Volterra, as well as the originality of its offerings. The event’s programme is full of new, and unique talent, as Simon tells us that it does not measure its artists against their popularity or standardised marketing strategies, but rather their mastery of their art, their proposals, and topics, covered. “Here, you can breathe the true essence of performing art – which is indeed an art and not mere entertainment – here, you can have fun, get excited, and enrich your spirit alongside your cultural background,” he explains. “We want to restore the theatre to its role of exclusivity and not reduce it to cinematelevision standards. Ours is a “non-genetically modified” theatre that takes into account its primitive role, which is that of collective involvement. Indeed, we stand out because we believe we can involve both the public and artists in this beautiful project, not passively but by creating collaborations and networks of an international nature.” Across Italy, the performing arts industry has encountered unprecedented obstacles that threaten to shape the future of its landscape. Simon tells us that there are high economic risk factors preventing the Volterra Roman Theatre International Festival from betting on the originality and talent of the artists’ proposals, an obstacle that has been further heightened by the diminishing originality and soul of the art scene. He tells us that there has been a rising increase in artistic products that are too accentuated and generalised, leaving the sector saturated with empty, industrial content. To the Volterra Roman Theatre International Festival, true art helps its audience to reconnect with their surroundings, their passions, and their being. Looking ahead, the team aims to financially secure the future of the festival and rebuild the theatre’s seating in order to continue sharing true art with the world in its mission of celebrating the vibrant, authentic, and historical culture of Volterra. “We would like 2025 to be a turning point for the festival, marking a year of renewal and greater awareness among citizens and visitors of the importance of the Volterra Roman Theatre International Festival,” Simon concludes. “I always remember that the day after the discovery of the Roman Theatre of Volterra, scholar Enrico Fiumi said it must be reestablished because it would create an important economic pulse for which our children will be grateful.” Contact: Simon Domenico Migliorini Company: The Volterra Roman Theatre International Festival Web Address: www.teatroromanovolterra.it
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjM3