CULTURE, HISTORY, TOURISM, POLITICS, FASHION, FOOD, MUSIC, ART & LEISURE
Iconic Objects
ITALY HAS ‘DONE WELL’ WITH FATTOBENE Gianni Rodari is 100
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, IMAGINATION! An American take on Italian cooking
IS ITALIAN CUISINE LOST IN TRANSLATION? Auto passion
40 INCHES FROM THE ASPHALT
ISSUE # 78 - 2020 - USA $ 18.50 WWW.ALLABOUTITALY.NET
EDITORIAL ITALY CALLS, SAN FRANCISCO ANSWERS There is a palpable air of optimism kicking off this year: a year that promises to be full of moments and people to remember. First of all, the birth centenary of two giants of Italian culture, each in their own very personal way, will be celebrated in 2020. Author Gianni Rodari and the director Federico Fellini will be honored in a series of events throughout the year that will bring their priceless works and ideas beyond national borders. This is Made in Italy, something to be cherished and shared. Those daily efforts made by the enterprises of the Italian system are finally reaping their first fruits. If 2019 avoided disappointment, despite the global slowdown and trade wars, even more exciting growth forecasts for Italian exports seem to be in the cards for 2020. According to the most recent report by Sace Simest (the export partner of Italian companies), growth estimates will rise to an average of 4.3% per year from 2020-2022, with foreign sales of Italian goods reaching 500 billion in 2020. Once again, food products will support Italian success beyond national borders and there is no doubt that the many exemplary realities scattered along the peninsula will continue to be heralds of excellence. The first important test will certainly be the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, the West coast’s largest commercial event dedicated to specialty food. Food companies from almost all regions of Italy will present the best Made in Italy products, both to the world of large retailers and to the big names in the retail trade and catering in the US. And our mission to present the many stories that make the Bel Paese unique will be carried out in the Moscone Center pavilions. Here is to another year as advocates, with months full of surprises and opportunities galore. Paolo Del Panta Editor in Chief
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Gianni Rodari is 100
Italian Stories
Chef life
26. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, IMAGINATION!
48. A MASTERPIECE
64. A CAREER WITH STARS AND TASTE
Iconic Objects
30. ITALY HAS ‘DONE WELL’ WITH FATTOBENE Enchanted Places
36. SAVE THE SAMMEZZANO RAINBOW Healthy Calabria
40. CALABRIA, THE LAND OF WELLNESS AND ETERNAL YOUTH
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OF WONDER AND INFINITE VARIETY Foodie Story
54. ALFREDO’S FETTUCCINE MADE AMERICA FALL IN LOVE
Quality since 1919
70. TAKING CARE OF GOOD COFFEE Rovagnati recommends
74. ITALY FROM AMERICA
An American take on Italian cooking
Insider Venice
58. IS ITALIAN TRANSLATION?
78. THE MASTER KEY FOR LUXURIOUS VENICE
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CUISINE LOST IN
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82. TOD’S CLASS LESSON
102. THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING GIGI
Travel the world Italian style
88. THE ITALIAN WAY TO FLY Auto passion
94. 40 INCHES FROM THE ASPHALT Sea Jewels
98. A BOND WITH THE SEA IS A LUXURIOUS RELATIONSHIP FOR A FEW
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6 PHOTOREPORTAGE 8 PHOTOREPORTAGE 10 PEOPLE 12 ART 14 ETHICAL TOURISM 16 DISCOVERABLE ITALY 18 NEW OPENING 20 GREAT ITALIAN CHEFS 22 AN ITALIAN BOOST 24 NEW SEASON, NEW BIKES 106
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ARTEMEST
Editor in Chief Franco Del Panta f.delpanta@allaboutitaly.net Co-Editor & Vice President Paolo Del Panta p.delpanta@allaboutitaly.net Art Director Francesco Sciarrone - www.francescosciarrone.it Picture Editor M. Fernandez Duna Translator Simona Bares Administration Jenny Cheung Photo Editor M. Beduschi Staff writers & Photos M. Morelli, L. Mancini, E. Pasca, A. Creta E. Rodi, M.Bertollini, M. Pituano, J.Daporto, E.Della Croce, S.Riva, S.Mallinckrodt, D.Proietto, I.C. Scarlett, Y.Leone, M.Baffigi, K. Carlisle
PHOTOREPORTAGE
THE ITALIAN THAT MADE “MONSTERS” HUMAN
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A little bit artisan, a little bit of an engineer, Carlo Rambaldi was one of the leading exponents of mechatronics, the discipline born from the union of mechanics and electronics. Thanks to the fortunate encounter with Hollywood art films, he was able to bring mechatronics to pioneering levels. In his long career, Rambaldi (September 15, 1925 – August 10, 2012) worked with the greatest directors on the international scene— from Mario Monicelli to Pupi Avati, Steven Spielberg to David Lynch. His art embellished every genre from horror films like “Profondo Rosso” (Deep Red) by Dario Argento or science fiction like “The Hand” by Oliver Stone, and
Richard Fleischer’s epic “Conan the Destroyer”—everything from mysteries to surrealism. He landed in the United States in the seventies and it was there that he created some of the most iconic puppets and creatures in the history of cinema. Monsters that, in fact, have united generations. Creatures so credible and real that they have become part of a collective cultural heritage and have garnered several Oscars for Rambaldi. His first Oscar was awarded in 1976 for “King Kong”, the second for “Alien”, a film directed by Ridley Scott, and the third for the beloved “E.T. the Extraterrestrial.” His models were so realistic that for the film “A Lizard in a Woman’s Skin” by Lucio Fulci he had to
defend the director against accusations of animal abuse. The success of these mechanical beings is mainly due to the fact that he imbued them with unheard-of humanity and emotion. All of this may seem trivial for those accustomed to digital effects, but in the 70s and 80s it was ground breaking. Indeed, the work of a great predigitalera artist like Rambaldi draws the red thread from the past to the present. They are the source that feeds into the most modern, digital special effects and advancements— increasingly protagonists of new-generation in cinema. Beatrice Vecchiarelli
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PHOTOREPORTAGE
LE MARCHE IS AMONG ‘BEST IN TRAVEL 2020’ Lonely Planet, one of the most famous tourist guides in the world, published its ranking of the best places to visit in 2020. The ‘Best in Travel 2020’ lists all the most beautiful and interesting destinations not to be missed next year. In the top 10 of the ‘Best in travel 2020–Top regions,’ Le Marche is number 2. It is considered a must for 2020 travel plans and, globally, second only to the Central Asian Silk Road. According to the guide, it is “one of Italy’s great unsung regions”. Indeed, it is much less popular than neighboring Tuscany, but certainly no less fascinating.
Located on the east coast of Central Italy, this amazing region has a great diversity of stunning sceneries. This multi-faceted beauty has all sorts of landscapes to be discovered. From cliffs and caves overlooking unforgettable beaches to lush hills and snow-capped mountains (for ski lovers). Le Marche protects many of these environments with national and regional nature reserves, like WWF oasis. The Monti Sibillini and Monti della Laga National Parks are truly impressive and offer a wealth of hiking trails. The cultural menu is also very rich. Renaissance masterpieces by artists such as Giotto, Raphael, and Perugino adorn many of the regions’ churches and museums. In fact, in 2020, the spotlight will shine especially on Urbino, one of the major cities of the region. It was the birthplace of Raphael, as well as a major center of Renaissance history. For this reason, it will be at the center of the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the Renaissance painter’s death. Margherita Pituano
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PEOPLE XXX FABIOLA GIANOTTI: XXX TO THE UNIVERSE AND BEYOND XXX
“At its 195th Session the CERN Council selected Fabiola Gianotti, as the Organization’s next Director-General, for her second term in office.” This is the historical announcement tweeted by the European Organization for Nuclear Research. The Italian particle physicist will continue as head of the CERN particle-physics lab near Geneva until 2025. It is the first time in the organization’s history that a director-general has been appointed for a full second term. The 59-year-old physicist joined CERN in 1994. From 2009 to 2013, she held the elected position of spokesperson (project leader) for the ATLAS experiment. In this position, she had the task of presenting the results on the discovery of the Higgs boson in a seminar at CERN on 4 July 2012. In 2016, she became the first woman to hold the position of CERN DirectorGeneral. And, on January 1st, 2021, she will begin her second term. Ursula Bassler, president of the CERN Council, commented: “During [Gianotti’s] first term, she excelled in leading our diverse and international scientific organization, becoming a role model, especially for women in science.” She also added: “I’m delighted to see Fabiola Gianotti re-appointed for a second term of office. With her at the helm, CERN will continue to benefit from her strong leadership and experience.” “I am deeply grateful to the CERN council for their renewed trust. It is a great privilege and a huge responsibility,” said Gianotti. “The following years will be crucial for laying the foundations of CERN’s future projects.” Sveva Riva
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ART
ROME SHOWCASES THE “COLLECTION OF COLLECTIONS” When public institutions, individual passion and commitment unite, the impossible becomes possible. Rome’s Campidoglio exhibits the treasures of the Torlonia family. After a lengthy selection and restoration process, the Torlonia Collection will be on public display with the opening of “The Torlonia Marbles” exhibition, which includes masterpieces by Salvatore Settis and Carlo Gasparri. The exhibition is the result of an agreement signed in 2016 by the Mibact and the Torlonia Foundation and marks the inauguration of a new exhibition space at the Capitoline Museums, at Palazzo Caffarelli, in the heart of the capital. Of the 620 works in the collection, 96 Roman marbles were chosen, including busts, reliefs, statues, sarcophagi and decorative elements, restored by Bulgari, along with the support of archaeologists and academics from the Lincei. The exhibition itinerary, set up by David Chipperfield Architects of Milan, is divided into five sections, and is presented as a journey through the history of the 15th through the 19th centuries and more specifically through the museum collection founded by Prince Alessandro Torlonia. The last of these sections is closely connected with the exedra of bronzes and Marcus Aurelius of the nearby Capitoline Museums. The first group of marbles, bronzes and terracottas of the Torlonia Collection dates back to the early 1800s and it gradually became a series of acquisitions and moves between the various family residences. Over the decades, it has established itself as one of the most important private collections of classical art, so much so that scholars have declared it the “collection of collections,” second in the world after the treasure of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, according to Jean-Cristophe Babin, Bulgari CEO. For the quantity and quality of its pieces, it can compete with large collections of classical statuary and is among the most studied in the country. They are works that speak of stories and places, such as the relief of Porto or the Eutidemo of Bactriana. Most of them have been known to the public through the photos and only now, following an intense negotitation between the Municipality of Rome and Alessandro Poma Murialdo, nephew of Prince Torlonia and the current administrator of the Foundation, have the pieces been admired by thousands of visitors. The exhibition attracted immediate international attention, and before taking up permanent residence in Rome it will be on tour in the world’s most renowned museums. This exhibition is an opportunity not to be missed. 25 March 2020 - 10 January 2021 www.fondazionetorlonia.org John Daporto
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Sicily is a region of sun, sea, art and good food. It is history and tradition, acceptance and unity. However, it is often synonymous with crime and corruption, so often linked to the Mafia. This immorality is deeprooted here, ingrained over time into every sector: health, education, politics and even tourism. Yes, even in tourism. There is a network of hotels, restaurants, shops and tourist attractions that are prisoners of the Mafia or somehow linked to it. The number of tourists who choose to visit the houses of the most famous “bosses” of organized crime has increased, a trend perhaps fueled by pop culture. But Sicilians who want to build a bright, authentic future have decided to break the chains and undermine the prejudices of those who think that Sicily is merely corrupt. In the wake of this sense of reclamation, associations and tour hosts offering protection racket free trips have multiplied over the last ten years. What does that mean? That means having the guarantee that not a penny will end up in the pockets of the Mafia. All of the businesses included in these tourist packages: restaurants, hotels, souvenir shops, transportation companies, etc., have chosen to join the fight against racketeering, proving that an ethical (and contagious) movement can offer tourists a unique experience, free from corruption. Their itineraries include visits to historical monuments, anti-mafia sites— from the Casa Memoria Felicia and Peppino Impastato to the Casina No Mafia— structures that arose in the lands confiscated from the “Cosa Nostra.” For those who prefer to be in nature, excursions are offered by bike or boat, making tours for guests of all ages and are safe and lawful. Making tourism responsible is not only an environmental issue, but also a social, economic and civic issue. It’s a question of ethics because traveling is nice, but without the protection racket it is better. Sascha Mallinckrodt
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ETHICAL TOURISM
FREE FROM THE PROTECTION RACKET: TOURISM THAT IS BAD FOR ORGANIZED CRIME
DISCOVERABLE ITALY
THE TOWN OF BRA AND PRAISE FOR THE SLOW LANE Praise for slowness is a well-established cultural movement—a popular adage that is now a heralded movement. It is no coincidence that many popular sayings encourage the abandonment of haste and frenzy. Instead, ever more people are choosing a relaxed pace of life that ensures greater satisfaction and enjoyment of the world’s surrounding joys. The concept of slowness, in fact, should not be mistakenly associated with listlessness and laziness, but on the contrary, as the rediscovery of the most authentic and genuine dimension of the human being. With this in mind, in 1999, the Italian cities of Bra, Orvieto, Greve in Chianti and Positano decided to establish the Cittaslow International, opening the path to “slow” cities, not nostalgically anchored in an idyllic and mythical past, but instead projected to interpret the future by grasping its most positive aspects and adopting a regime of life “at low speed”, respectful of the needs of people and nature. Today, there are 200 Slow cities, typically with a population of less than 50,000 inhabitants, in every part of the world: a deep-rooted philosophy that draws on the dynamics and ways promoted by Carlo Petrini’s Slow Food unites them. Being a “slow city” means working hard to make artistic, historical and cultural background available to everyone, underlining that speed is not the vector of progress and development, but rather the painstaking attention and time that is given to the creation of quality products and initiatives. In particular, the beautiful town of Bra, pioneer of the association, a precious jewel located in the “promised land” of the Langhe and Roero, just 50 kilometers from Turin, has decided in recent years to decisively set a new course for its development, retrieving its ancient and historical vocation as farmer and reinterpreting it in a modern key, thus becoming one of the most significant Italian ambassadors for the quality of life and the taste for fine wine and good food. Ecogastronomy evolves through civilized lifestyle, marked by development that is not detrimental to those who live in the territory. The town of Bra is the queen of the Piedmontese “food valley”, guardian and promoter of the treasures of the local food and wine heritage. Every two years, in fact, it hosts the event “Cheese” (2019 edition ‘Natural is Possible’), one of the most prestigious showcases in the world in the dairy sector, and is home not only to the University of Gastronomic Sciences, but also to the international base of the Slow Food movement. In short, Bra lives the proverb slow and steady wins the race. John Daporto
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A MASTERPIECE NETWORK Musei Capitolini, Centrale Montemartini, Mercati di Traiano - Museo dei Fori Imperiali, Museo dell’Ara Pacis, Museo di Roma, Casa Museo Alberto Moravia, Galleria d’Arte Moderna, Museo di Roma in Trastevere, Musei di Villa Torlonia, Museo Civico di Zoologia FREE ADMISSION Museo di Scultura Antica Giovanni Barracco, Museo delle Mura, Villa di Massenzio, Museo della Repubblica Romana e della memoria garibaldina, Museo Napoleonico, Museo Carlo Bilotti, Museo Pietro Canonica, Museo di Casal de’ Pazzi
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NEW OPENING
THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET HAS A MUSEUM OF ITS OWN IN ITALY The Mediterranean Diet for Italians has always been the norm, but the American scientist Ancel Keys was the first one to study it. In southern Italy, there’s a high concentration of centenarians. Keys hypothesized that a Mediterranean-style diet low in animal fat protected against heart disease. In the Cilento region, he studied for 60 years and devised the Mediterranean Diet, listed, in 2010, as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Keys worked for over 40 years in Pioppi (Salerno) forming an insoluble bond with the local community. He was considered by locals as a fellow citizen, maybe just a little bit special. The “Museo Vivente della Dieta Mediterranea di Pioppi” (MVDM – Living Museum of the Mediterranean Diet) is Pioppi’s tribute to Keys and his work. The Museum is housed in Palazzo Vinciprova, a 17th-century historic residence near the beach. The Ripoli family donated it to the municipality of Pollica in 1986. Here, in 1998,
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Legambiente, an Italian non-profit organization, opened the “Museo Vivo del Mare” (Living Museum of the Sea) on the ground floor. Subsequently, the same institution opened MVDM on the second floor of the palace. In the exhibition, there are descriptive panels, videos, and installations dedicated to the senses. It is also possible to enter a room dedicated to homemade pasta, with video tutorials by Cilento housewives. Moreover, the Museum holds Keys’ personal library, donated by the family to the Municipality of Pollica. The Museum organizes educational workshops, Cilento cooking classes, and guided tours of trails, vegetable gardens, and mills in the area. A concrete way to pass on the legacy Keys, his wife Margaret and their colleagues left. And to promote a lifestyle inspired by healthy eating, respect for the environment and local culture. Marco Bertollini
GET CAPTIVATED Discover the Reggia and the Gardens with exhibitions.
Savoy Royal Residences. Extra-Royal.
GREAT ITALIAN CHEFS
STARS OF THE 2020 MICHELIN GUIDE ITALY
The 65th edition of the Michelin Guide Italy is out. And Italy, with a total of 374 starred restaurants is confirmed as the second most starred country in the world. The Belpaese has 33 new starred restaurants. The Guide lists for the first time Enrico Bartolini’s Mudec in Milan among the most prestigious restaurants with 3-stars. Enrico Bartolini won his first star in 2010 at Le Robinie and then in 2011 at the Devero Restaurant, the second star in 2014. At Mudec, in 2017, he picked up the second star and today earned the third one bringing the 3-stars back to Milan after 25 years. In giving 3-stars to Bartolini the Guide said, “at the Mudec, the chef’s personality stands out for research and experimentation; harmonizing perfectly with Milan’s dynamism and giving an artist’s touch to the rich Italian gastronomic heritage.” In the 2020 Guide, all the other 3-stars have been confirmed. Thus, the restaurants “worth the trip,” and the 3-stars, are: Piazza Duomo in Alba (CN), Da Vittorio in Brusaporto (BG), St. Hubertus, in San Cassiano (BZ), Le Calandre in Rubano (PD), Dal Pescatore in Canneto Sull’Oglio (MN), Osteria Francescana in Modena, Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence, La Pergola in Rome, Reale in Castel di Sangro (AQ), Mauro Uliassi in Senigallia (AN). There are two new restaurants among the 35 that are “worth a detour,” i.e. 2-stars. One is Michelangelo Mammoliti’s La Madernassa is in Guarene (CN). Here “the dishes reflect rigor, technique, and precision, but their soul is the Piedmont tradition and products.” The other is another Enrico Bartolini’s restaurant, Glam in Venice, where the chef is Donato Ascani. “His proposal is a solemn synthesis between creativity and instinct inspired daily by local ingredients with Oriental touches and aromatic herbs from the lagoon.” The restaurants “with high-quality cuisine, which deserve a stop” and 1-star in total 328, 30 of which are new entries. More than half the newly awarded stars went to Lombardy, Campania, and Tuscany, to which more than 50% of the new stars have been assigned. Giorgio Migliore
Enrico Bartolini
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AN ITALIAN BOOST
FERRARI AND ARMANI ANNOUNCE A FASHION COLLABORATION Armani and Ferrari are two world-wide-famous icons of Made in Italy and now the duo joined forces in a long-term agreement. The Armani group will produce Ferrari branded garments and accessories. This unprecedented alliance is, first and foremost, a celebration of the Made in Italy high-quality standards and excellence. In Ferrari CEO Luis Camilleri’s own words, “The one with Armani is a long-term agreement with which we want to raise the standards of all our products and focus on Made in Italy.” However, this is not a co-branding deal and it only involves production. A Ferrari team dedicated to the brand will design the apparel collection. The team, which will also manage all other brand activities, will be located in a new office in Milan. The agreement between the company and Armani is part of one of the three pillars on which the Ferrari brand is based. Besides this, Ferrari will expand further into entertainment,
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which currently comprises two museums in Italy and theme parks in Abu Dhabi and Barcelona. The third category, luxury services, will include the opening of a restaurant with Michelin-star chef Massimo Bottura at Maranello headquarters. “Today the market value of Ferrari brand products is estimated at around 800 million euros,” Camilleri said. He also announced halving the current licensing agreements and a 30% cut in product categories. From the brand diversification that includes fashion, entertainment, and luxury services Camilleri estimates a “10% of total profitability in 7-10 years.” Adding that “This is not just about profit, this is about enhancing the equity, vitality, and vibrancy of our brand.” Ilona Catani Scarlett
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NEW SEASON, NEW BIKES
DUCATI REVEALS ITS 2020 MODEL VARIATIONS The Italian manufacturer unveiled its 2020 line-up of motorcycles, which includes the addition of two new models: the new Panigale V2 and the highly anticipated Ducati Streetfighter V4/S. The Multistrada 1260 family received a new lux trim package aptly named the Grand Tour. While other models such as the Diavel and Scrambler received additional color options. The Panigale V2, the heir of the Panigale 959, is a new ‘small’ Panigale. The mid-size superbike faithfully reproduces the aesthetics of its larger sibling. It also reintroduces the single-sided swingarm, an icon of the sports production of the brand. However, its cornering ABS and top-level electronics prove the great attention paid to safety and road usability. The engine is an evolution of the 995 cc Superquadro that delivers 155 horses. The most awaited launch was that of the Streetfighter V4, an unrivaled naked bristling with cutting-edge technology. In short, it is a Panigale V4, stripped of its fairings and with high, wide handlebars. From the four-cylinder supersport, it inherits the engine, the Desmosedici Stradale based on the experience gained by Ducati in MotoGP. On the Streetfighter V4, this engine is configured to deliver 208 horses, which increase to 220 with the Akrapovic track-only kit. It will come in two versions, the standard and the S (with Ohlins electronic suspensions), which will be sold for $19,995 (Euro 19,990) and $23,000 (Euro 22,990) respectively. Ilona Catani Scarlett
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ALL ABOUT ITALY | Gianni Rodari is 100
Gianni Rodari
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Gianni Rodari is 100
| ALL ABOUT ITALY
2020 is the centenary year of Gianni Rodari: writer, poet and teacher. A life dedicated to listening to children’s imagination and giving it shape. Because playing helps us grow up.
Happy Birthday, Imagination! T
here were two times, and maybe even more, a child to save a cat during a storm. It is useless to ask Gianni Rodari made an impact. There was why bread and cats will often be found in many of his certainly a first time, when in his 60 years of life stories. When Italy entered the war, the young Rodari he enriched Italian culture with the eclectic intelligence was twenty years old, and declared ineligible to serve, that allowed him to be a teacher, pedagogue, journalist which allowed him not to leave for the front. In 1941 and poet. There was a second time when, after his he was forced to join the fascist party, because this was death, he left more than one generation with an endless the only way to work as a teacher and be able to earn list of books, writings, a basic living. However, stories, nursery rhymes, the war had repercussions words, suggestions and on his life, bringing him In 1970 Gianni Rodari received the Hans a freedom of images and many deaths, including the visions that have everything death of two dear friends Christian Andersen Prize, the “Little Nobel but limits. And Gianni Prize” for children’s fiction, the most prestigious and the pain of knowing his Rodari is there whenever brother Cesare was interned international award that rewards the literary our imagination wants to get in a concentration camp and aesthetic quality of writings produced lost and invent. in Germany. At that point Rodari’s biography marks Gianni Rodari approached during his career. and goes beyond the the Communist Party, and twentieth century. 1920 is joined in 1944. the year of his birth in Omegna, in Piedmont, on Lake And fought with the Resistance in the mountains of Orta, which will be present - as well as in his life Lombardy. It was with the end of the war that he in his stories. After primary school he moved to the began his journalistic career, also writing columns for province of Varese, before arriving in the province of children. It was young people that never bored him, Milan at a slightly older age. He lived with his widowed capturing at that very young age the real resource for a mother because his father, a baker, died when he was world of color.
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ALL ABOUT ITALY | Gianni Rodari is 100
Gianni Rodari was not only a teacher in a classroom, he also taught in his works of how to take words, unchain them and turn them into a creative game. His writing doesn’t adhere to rules, but leaves room for freedom and inventiveness, because this approach passes the exploration and understanding of the most curious world there is, the everyday one. His stories do not include fairy-tale figures,
The fairy tale is a way of talking about the world, of entering into reality rather than through the door, the roof or the window.
rather ordinary characters who never give up their whimsy. “Favole al telefono” (“Fairy Tales over the Phone”), for example, is populated by characters such as Alice Cascherina or the woman who counted sneezes, the inhabitants of the village with the S in front, the men of butter, the Apollonia of jam or Giovannino Perdigiorno: each bearer of a
lesson in a simple and fun in form, witty but with substance. From this perspective, one understands well what is the meaning that is contained within “La Grammatica della Fantasia” (“The Grammar of Fantasy”), its best known work, a sort of theoretical manifesto on what belongs to the art of inventing stories, drawing the guidelines of a new discipline, “La Fantastica” (the Fantastic), the art of storytelling hanging from the thread of imagination. “Fairy tales serve mathematics just as mathematics serves fairy tales,” wrote Rodari. “They serve poetry, music, utopia, political commitment: in short, the whole man, and not only the fantasizer. They are useful precisely because, apparently, they are useless: like poetry and music, like theatre or sport. They serve the complete man.” Rodari is missed, this year—the centenary of his birth (October 23)—even more so. He is missed for his canonical lessons, his diffidence in pointing the finger at mistakes, and instead finding the creative value that can empower the creativity in children, parents and teachers. Because Rodari does not only speak to children, his poems do not hide lessons, but offer suggestions for learning the art of everyday life, © Mauro Maulini - “Un giocattolo per Natale” (“A toy for Christmas”), G. Rodari (Interlinea, Novara 2001)
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Gianni Rodari is 100
| ALL ABOUT ITALY
1920-2020: 100 YEARS OF GIANNI RODARI A year of celebrations for the centenary of the birth of Gianni Rodari. The official website www.100giannirodari.com promotes and gathers all the events. Readings, shows, musicals, exhibitions, all inspired by Rodari’s fantastic creations, with many initiatives for and from schools. You may also add your own event. www.100giannirodari.com
making use of the qualities of inventiveness that each of us has. We may just need to be reminded how to stimulate them, young or old. Gianni Rodari is still today an Italian cultural manifesto, for his investment in knowledge and passion in making children more aware and curious in their approach to the world of words and instruments. “Fantasy is a place where it rains into” said Italo Calvino. Gianni Rodari teaches us that it is important never to open an umbrella. Elisa Rodi
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ALL ABOUT ITALY | Iconic Objects
An unprecedented tribute to Italy through its iconic products. ‘Fattobene’ (well made) is an Italian project with an international openness that describes, in contemporary language, a selection of objects that have enriched Italy’s industry and showcased its great traditions of design, taste and lifestyle thus creating the concept ‘Made in Italy’.
Italy has ‘Done Well’ with Fattobene I
f there is one thing that is worth having, it is most certainly a story to tell.. There are objects that represent and preserve that story thereby passing it on; things that are encountered in everyday life which define a country and its people. Anna Lagorio and Alex Carnevali, a journalist and a photographer respectively, understand this, as they are also connoisseurs of Italian beauty. Together they conceived the idea of Fattobene, a project that showcases various iconic Italian household products both old and new. Fattobene began as a website and evolved to include publishing, high-street sales, an online store and a pop-up store in New York. Every new adventure was not exactly a change, but rather the evolution of an idea with its own strong identity, which sought to pass on the histories of manufacturers and their products and keep them alive for future generations to appreciate. Fattobene is in essence a collection of memories, which gracefully evoke
“We developed a general plan to set about investigating iconic small businesses and their products, past and present, throughout the regions and then bringing their stories into the open”
the mundane, everyday objects that pass through people’s lives and continue to enrich them. To pay homage to the Zenith 548 stapler is also to evoke the Italian economic boom following the end of the Second World War (during which the country had been in turmoil and unemployment had soared). Celebrating Pastiglie Leone takes us back to the nineteenth century when chocolate, caramel and other confections eaten at the end of a meal were a luxury, for the privileged few, until made available to all when
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Iconic Objects
| ALL ABOUT ITALY
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