Second edition of Italian Week to display Italy’s artistic richness in Colombo

By Shannon Jayawardena

The Italian Embassy will showcase a wide array of the country’s artistic richness via a dedicated week of events from 4 to 8 June in Colombo.

The event is in celebration of Italian National Day in Sri Lanka, bringing the country’s beauty to the local community while touching upon the nation’s values and significant aspects. 

During Italian Week, the Embassy will highlight the country’s culture through design, film, cinema, fashion, art and music. The embassy has invited several world-renowned Italian artistes to perform during the course of the four days whilst mixing tradition and innovation in an artistic and passionate manner. 

This year, as part of the festivities, the embassy will be hosting a number of cultural fringe events which include a solemn concert paying homage to the Grand Italian Opera which is to take place on 6 June from 7:30 p.m. onwards at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre. 

Maestro Jacopo Sipari is to perform with the first instruments of the International Festival of Midsummer and the Soprano Silvana Froli. He will be accompanied by local artistes The De Lanerolle Brothers, which will combine cultures of the two countries to give spectators a lively and exciting night. Tickets will be pre-reserved.

Likewise, an iconic Italian design exhibition is to take place from 8-9 June at the Academy of Design (AOD) in Colombo. The exhibition will showcase a variety of designs from the 20th and 21st centuries, giving a peak into Italy’s diverse history. Entrance is free to the general public. 

The announcement for the second festival, ‘The Italian Sri Lankan Film Festival’ which will include a short film contest for young Italian and local film producers and the screening of the award-winning film ‘La Pazza Gioia’ directed by Paolo Virzi, will take place on the final day of the week at 7:15 p.m. at the Empire Cineplex at Independence Arcade. 

The film is about two women considered crazy who meet at the Therapeutic Institute of Villa Biondi, who ultimately amidst their differences end up creating a strong bond between them. The movie depicts the dramatic aspect of the Italian culture as it showcases drama at its best. 

These series of events as organised by the Embassy and Cargills will further enhance the relationship between the two countries while promoting the culture and tradition of Italy here in Sri Lanka. Italian Week will further give the local community the opportunity to enjoy Italy’s sophistication, elegance and beauty without having to travel many thousands of miles.