In a city full of rich Italian-American culture and history, Drexel’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design is excited to host two projects in honor of Italian Cultural month. Diverse programming will run through October with events in Philadelphia and throughout the region.
Free and open to the public this Sunday, Oct. 16, as part of the third annual Ciao Philadelphia – renowned Italian director and actor Massimiliano Finazzer Flory’s latest project, Being Leonardo da Vinci, will have its Philadelphia premiere in the URBN Black Box Theater at 7:30 p.m.
This one-act play is performed in Italian (with English subtitles) and uses theater to stage the Italian genius’ life of art and science. As a prologue, the audience will be introduced to Leonardo’s art by a performance of contemporary dance choreographed by Michella Lucenti. With a harmonic connection between space and gesture, two dancers will perform an intense and technical ballet inspired by da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man.
Prior to the play, an exhibition entitled The Laundry Project / Panni Sites will open in the URBN Center’s lobby at 5:30 p.m. Drexel Art History professor Pia Brancaccio will present an exhibition and that will also feature works by Photography professor Stuart Rome, Art professor Blaise Tobia and artist Stefani Zamparelli. The Laundry Project / Panni Sites is an immersive installation recreating the lively atmosphere of a Neapolitan vicolo, or alley, accompanied by photography of the vibrant city of Naples.
Ciao Philadelphia events are being presented in partnership with the College of Arts & Sciences’ Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages and Drexel’s Office of International Programs. Ciao Philadelphia is an engaging partnership with the most prominent cultural institutions of the region and various components of the Italian American community. Every landmark institution of the region with an Italian influence as well as all major universities are included. Ciao Philadelphia is a way to appreciate the Italian Cultural Heritage and connect the region with contemporary Italy, opening doors for even more economic and academic exchanges.
The extensive media coverage received in Italy thorough Ciao Philadelphia helps to promote awareness about new opportunities in and with the Greater Philadelphia region. Learn more here.
For media inquiries, contact Emily Storz at els332@drexel.edu or 215.895.2705.
