Inside the dwelling of Peppino's yurt or entangled with Aida in a bed
In the heart of Parma, Italy, the Yurta of Peppino has transformed into a hub for children and families, hosting a series of workshops and shows as part of the Verdi Off. This unique, cylindrical-conical tent is just one of the many venues that will play host to a month-long celebration of Giuseppe Verdi's life and work.
The Verdi Off, now in its decade-long run, aims to bring Verdi's festival out of the theatres and into the public realm, promoting inclusion and participation. The initiative encourages innovation, multidisciplinary, contemporaneity, and a focus on young people and emerging creativity. It invites everyone, including nursing homes and prisons, to share the emotions and passion for Verdi, spreading his greatness in a light, playful, and open way.
One of the highlights of the Verdi Off is the immersive project A letto con Verdi, ideated and directed by Aldo Cassano with dramaturgy by Emilio Sala. This unique production guides audiences through the characters and the very life of the composer, delving into the most secret folds of love as portrayed in Verdi's operas such as Macbeth, Aida, and Violetta. A letto con Verdi also offers a unique interactive experience, allowing one spectator at a time to meet Macbeth in the flesh, face to face.
Another captivating project is Il sonno uccidesti, created by Damiano Michieletto and Paolo Fantin. This immersive production delves into the dark heart of Macbeth, with a hyperrealistic human figure at the centre of the space. Il sonno uccidesti is set to be at Galleria San Ludovico, but the specifics of the artist presentation are yet to be announced.
The Verdi Street Parade, a musical festival, kicks off the Festival and Verdi Off. Over a thousand artists, choral ensembles, bands, singers, actors, dancers, acrobats, and visual artists participate in this grand spectacle. The parade covers streets from the city centre to Oltretorrente, culminating in a widespread spectacle featuring a videomapping on the Palazzo della Pilotta. The Verdi Street Parade takes place on the 20th at 6 PM.
The Verdi Street Parade is not the only event that is part of the Verdi Off. The Compagnia Animanera's Il Cucù Verdiano features Verdian arias with singers leaning out of the Fornici, daily at 1 PM in front of the Teatro Regio. The Yurta of Peppino also hosts various workshops and shows for families and children throughout the month.
The Verdi Off continues to spread Verdi's legacy in a unique and engaging way, bringing his operas to life in unexpected settings and encouraging participation and interaction. Whether you're a Verdi aficionado or a curious newcomer, there's something for everyone in this month-long celebration.
