Italy's leading creatives come together, live in Rome - The Arts Hour podcast, BBC World Service

Key Concepts

• Italian Creativity & History: The deep connection between Italy’s artistic output and its historical, political, and religious context (power, faith, spectacle, fascism).
• New Wave of Italian Creativity: Exploration of contemporary Italian artists across film, music, and comedy.
• Fascist Architecture & Legacy: Discussion surrounding the presence and interpretation of fascist-era buildings and monuments in Rome.
• Female Representation in Italian Arts & Politics: Examination of the historical lack of female voices in classical music and the significance of Giorgia Meloni becoming Italy’s first female prime minister.
• Blending Tradition & Innovation: The tension and synergy between respecting Italy’s rich artistic heritage and pushing creative boundaries.
• Female Solidarity & Artistic Expression: The importance of female collaboration and the exploration of female experiences through art.

The Arts Hour on Tour: Rome – A Summary

Introduction & Historical Context

The Arts Hour on Tour visited Rome, showcasing a “new wave of creativity” within the city. The program highlighted Rome’s enduring artistic legacy, tracing its roots through the Colosseum, Pantheon, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Puccini’s operas, Caravaggio’s theatricality, and the cinematic contributions of Fellini, Antonioni, and Pasolini. The discussion emphasized that Italian creativity has historically been shaped by “power, faith and spectacle.” Politically, Italy’s history of over 60 governments since WWII and the recent election of Giorgia Meloni as its first female prime minister were noted as significant contextual factors.

Artists’ Perspectives on Rome’s Influence

The program featured interviews with filmmaker Margherita Vicario, comedian Luca Ravenna, filmmaker Paolo Strippoli, rapper Mecna, and singer-songwriter Levante. Each artist shared their personal connection to Rome and how the city’s history and atmosphere influence their work.

• Margherita Vicario described Rome as a “theatrical set” and an “open air museum,” inspiring stories and characters simply by walking its streets.
• Luca Ravenna initially presented a cynical view, contrasting Rome’s perceived kindness with his Milanese upbringing, but ultimately acknowledged the city’s unique comedic energy. He noted the strong regional differences and the humor derived from them.
• Paolo Strippoli, originally from Bari, was drawn to Rome for its cinematic opportunities and the feeling of never being alone within the city.
• Mecna, from Foggia in Puglia, found inspiration and mentorship within Rome’s established rap scene.
• Levante, born in Sicily and now living in Milan, described her connection to Rome as “purely emotional,” characterizing it as a “nostalgic city.”

The Culture Cab: Exploring Rome’s Complexities

A segment titled “Culture Cab” featured comedian and podcaster Daniele Tinti guiding the program through Rome.

• Stadio dei Marmi: The first stop was the Stadio dei Marmi, a stadium surrounded by marble statues of nude men built in the late 1920s/early 1930s. Tinti described it as “very fascist-looking,” representing Mussolini’s vision of Italian strength. He acknowledged mixed feelings towards the architecture, suggesting a need to “build something new” while acknowledging the past. A debate was raised about potentially removing the obelisk at the entrance bearing the inscription “Mussolini Dux.”
• Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere: The second stop was Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, a historic square frequently used as a filming location. Tinti noted Italians’ fascination with crime dramas, linking it to the country’s own history of organized crime, citing Gomorrah as an example.

Discussion: Fascist Architecture & Iconic Italian Media

Returning to the stage, the discussion turned to the presence of fascist architecture in Rome and whether it should be recontextualized for new generations.

• Margherita Vicario viewed these buildings as simply “buildings now,” differentiating the fascist-era EUR district from the rest of Rome, describing it as “cold” and lacking the city’s warmth.
• Luca Ravenna expressed ambivalence, suggesting they could be “kept” as part of the country’s history, despite personal dislike.
• The conversation then shifted to iconic Italian television and film. La Dolce Vita (Fellini) was mentioned for its depiction of Rome and the Vespa scooter. Un medico in famiglia and I Cesaroni were cited as popular Italian TV series, with Mecna humorously noting the prevalence of doctors, police, and “cocaine” as themes in Italian entertainment.

Paolo Strippoli & “The Holy Boy”

Filmmaker Paolo Strippoli discussed his film The Holy Boy (La valle dei sorrisi), a horror film exploring themes of identity, faith, and control.

• Synopsis: The film follows Sergio, who arrives in a remote village where a 15-year-old boy, Matteo, is believed to have healing powers. As Sergio gets closer to Matteo, he uncovers a darker side to the village and the boy’s perceived sanctity.
• Inspiration: Strippoli explained the film is about the dangers of confining a teenager and attempting to define their identity. He revealed a personal connection to the story, admitting to having been in love with his bully in middle school, and feeling like an outcast like Matteo.
• Horror as a Medium: He chose horror because it’s “entertaining and spectacular,” allowing him to explore deeper truths in a way that resonates with audiences.
• Critique of Religion: While not explicitly anti-religious, the film explores how people can use religion to cope with pain and suffering. The film was also noted to have parallels with the recent canonization of Carlo Acutis, the “Cyber Apostle.”
• Father-Son Dynamics: Strippoli emphasized the importance of fathers allowing their sons to define their own paths.

Luca Ravenna’s Stand-Up & Cultural Recommendations

Comedian Luca Ravenna performed a stand-up routine, poking fun at Italian stereotypes, tourism, and the country’s political history. He highlighted the irony of Italian identity and the tendency to criticize others while engaging in similar behaviors.

Following the performance, the guests and audience members shared cultural recommendations for Rome:

• Julia: Visiting monuments at night for a more ethereal experience.
• Alicia (Tour Guide): The Pantheon and the Basilica of San Clemente, describing Rome as a “lasagna” of layered history.

Musical Performances & Conclusion

The program concluded with musical performances from Mecna (“Sognare in Grande”) and Levante (“Follemente”). Levante’s song was described as being about the end of a love story, where one person is “too scared to love.”

The Arts Hour on Tour in Rome offered a multifaceted exploration of Italian creativity, history, and culture, highlighting both its enduring traditions and its contemporary innovations. The program underscored the complex relationship between Italy’s past and its present, and the ongoing search for new voices and perspectives within its artistic landscape.