Italian government launches underwater theater promo to lure audiences back

The Italian government has released a new promotional video, 'A teatro si respira la vita' (At the theater you breathe life), directed by Livermore&Cucco, to encourage audiences to return to live performances. The short film features actors, musicians, dancers, and stage technicians performing underwater, symbolizing the suspended dialogue between performers and audiences during the pandemic. Scenes include a violinist playing Paganini, an Arlecchino from 'Servant of Two Masters', Titania and Bottom from 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', the Queen of the Night from 'The Magic Flute', Agamemnon, and excerpts from Verdi's Otello, Bellini's Norma, and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. The video was produced by D-Wok in collaboration with Teatro Nazionale di Genova, with support from the Ministry of Culture, Agis, and Istituto Luce Cinecittà. It was presented at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan by Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, Agis President Carlo Fontana, and Superintendent Dominique Meyer, marking the opening of theater seasons across Italy. Franceschini praised the live entertainment sector for its discipline and creativity during the pandemic, enabling a return to full-capacity venues.