On December 15, 2024, the Vittoriale degli Italiani will host a special event to conclude the centenary celebrations of the death of Eleonora Duse. With a rich program of cultural and artistic activities, the day promises to be a significant opportunity to reflect on the actress’s legacy and her connection with Gabriele D’Annunzio. Admission to the Park will be free throughout the day, allowing everyone to participate.
A Solar Enchantment: The Closing Festival
The event, titled “A Solar Enchantment,” will begin at 11 a.m. and will feature various initiatives celebrating the achievements made throughout the year. The president of the Vittoriale, Giordano Bruno Guerri, emphasized the importance of the event by recalling D’Annunzio’s words about his encounter with Eleonora Duse: “‘A solar enchantment,’ this is how Gabriele D’Annunzio defined his meeting with Eleonora Duse.” Throughout the day, scholars and experts will provide insights into the great actress’s figure and Giovanni Comisso’s contribution to contemporary history.
Presentation of the Volume Italia Ingrata
The Auditorium of the Vittoriale will also host the presentation of the volume Italia ingrata. Writings from Fiume, a collection that includes rare and unpublished writings by Giovanni Comisso related to his experience during the Fiume occupation. Alessandro Gnocchi, the editor of the volume published by La nave di Teseo, and Luigi Mascheroni will be present. This text offers a significant insight into Comisso’s poetics and his reflections on freedom and Italian identity.
Inauguration of the Exhibition by Pietro Capone
Alongside the main event, the exhibition A Solar Enchantment by artist Pietro Capone will be inaugurated. On display in the MAS spaces until February 28, 2025, the exhibition includes twenty works created between 2020 and 2024. Curated by Raffaele Curi and organized by Lorenzo Zichichi of “Il Cigno Arte,” the exhibition features artistic nudes that provoke deep reflection on the relationship between painting and writing.
Concluding Event of the Dusian Celebrations
In the afternoon, the concluding event of the celebrations dedicated to Eleonora Duse will take place at the Auditorium starting at 2:30 p.m. Elena Ledda will present research on new sources regarding Duse at the Vittoriale, followed by the testimony of Fiorenzo Silvestri, a well-known collector of Duse memorabilia. Additionally, a video clip dedicated to the actress will be screened, with commentary from filmmakers Katia Sala and Elena Romano.
The day will culminate with the presentation of books dedicated to Eleonora Duse by Maria Pia Pagani and Franca de Santis, alongside Pier Franco Bruni.
Italian Version
