Rome has been Europe’s resilient and enduring powerhouse of art and culture since the dawn of modern civilization. But since 1980, the Romaeuropa Festival has sought to introduce a taste of contemporary design to Rome through the performing arts, music, dance and theatre.
What is it?
Now established as one of the world’s largest arts events, the Romaeuropa Festival attracts a multitude of acts from a wide range of media to showcase their work over two months of autumn, between September and November each year. In archaic halls and theaters of the sprawling ancient city, tourists experiencing the delights of The Pantheon can enter a show at one of many participating venues, including the Teatro Olimpico and Auditorium Parco de la Musica, showcasing an inverted world. of contemporary design in Rome.
The new meets the old
Lovers of modern art and fresh, progressive ideas could almost forget the historical wonders and romance that await outside. Although this is unlikely considering that the main reason to visit this wonderful old city is the old buildings and works of art. However, it goes to show just how popular and strong the festival’s appeal is, managing to survive for so long in a place where contemporary art isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.
explore the city
Festival-goers can stroll from their accommodation and, in an instant, choose from the city’s classic ancient delights – the galleries, museums, chapels, Colosseum and Pantheon – or enjoy the most contemporary design in Rome. and experience a totally different side to the 2,000-year-old city. There are influences from around the world featuring famous acts, artistic gems to discover, and new never-before-seen material to thrill and intrigue visitors in equal measure.
enjoy the art
At the center of the 2012 festival was the centennial celebration of the birth of 20th-century postmodern composer John Cage, known for his experimental musical works, including the score “4’33.” This year, the program presents a wide range of exciting contemporary designs in Rome and multimedia artistic performances. These include a musical theater piece called “Aliados,” which focuses on the relationship between Margaret Thatcher’s meetings with former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet in the years 1998-2000. The piece aims to explore the couple’s shared memories of recent history and show how facts can be altered due to the deterioration of their respective psychological conditions.
But the festival is not all modern performing art. There are classical compositions and dances representing the city’s deeply held traditions that sit comfortably alongside postmodern operas, a refreshing version of Messiaen/Santasangre, for example.
The Italian capital has a rich culture to offer tourists year-round, but with the added injection of two months of celebrating contemporary design in Rome, there are more ways than ever to enjoy your visit.