A theatrical performance of readings and music at the National Theatre in Nairobi, on Thursday 17 October at 6 pm, to celebrate the 24th ‘Week of the Italian Language in the World’ in Kenya, organised by the Italian Embassy in Kenya and the Italian Cultural Institute in Nairobi, under the High Patronage of the President of the Republic. This is the first event of the week with the theme, ‘Italian and books, the world between the lines’.
The show entitled ‘Found in translation, the treasure of the Italian language’ will be presented by well-known radio host Maqbul Mohammed and hosted by theatre actress Wakio Mzenge and author Freddie del Curatolo, the evening's artistic director.
The show will have a special guest, Italian jazz vibraphonist Olmo Chittò, who will accompany the readings with his particular instrument, in an almost unique opportunity to see it played on stage in Kenya, together with Kenyan cellist Masala Sefu, a true ‘home-grown’ talent and graduate of the Cremona Conservatory.
The performance will be a fascinating journey through the history of the Italian language, exploring poetry, prose and music from Dante to Fabrizio De André, passing through Alessandro Baricco, Gianni Rodari and opera.
Admission to the evening, which will be held in the ‘Ukumbi Ndogo’ hall of the Kenya National Theatre, is free of charge, but reservations must be made through this link, by Monday 14 October. After the performance, refreshments will be offered.
The Italian language week also includes a second event, next Saturday 19 October, ‘Genius readings, music between the lines’, focusing on Elena Ferrante's best-seller ‘L'amica geniale’, translated into English as ‘My brilliant friend’, which the Times called the ‘book of the century’ and which has spawned a very popular series on Netflix.
Jazz vibraphonist Olmo Chittò will enrich the atmosphere with his musical talent. At the same time, the young readers will be busy with fun activities designed to give children (aged 3 and up) the opportunity to take their first step into the world of Italian language and culture.
First-timers will receive a free English copy of Elena Ferrante's ‘L'amica geniale’ and young readers one of Geronimo Stilton (while stocks last). The morning will end with light refreshments. The event is open to all, but we recommend registering via this link.