Lenz Fondazione's 'Autodafé' Transforms Parma's Former Prison into Operatic Spectacle
Lenz Fondazione recently showcased 'Autodafé' in the Napoleon Wing of the old San Francesco prison in Parma. This piece, inspired by Verdi's 'Don Carlo,' addresses contemporary themes like inquisition, suffering, and imprisonment. Directed by Francesco Pititto and Maria Federica Maestri, the production included sound design from Andrea Azzali and worked in partnership with Conservatorio A. Boito and the Ars Canto choir. A unique cross-shaped runway was set up, echoing the works of Franko B and Artaud's 'Cenci.' Featured performers were bass Domenico Mento, members of Gabriella Corsaro’s Ars Canto choir, and several artists, along with Lenz advanced workshop students. A photography exhibit by Fiorella Iacono is planned for December during the Natura Dèi Teatri festival.
Key facts
- Lenz Fondazione staged 'Autodafé' in the Napoleon Wing of the former San Francesco prison in Parma.
- The performance draws from Verdi's 'Don Carlo', specifically the third act's Inquisition scene.
- Francesco Pititto handled imagoturgy and dramaturgy; Maria Federica Maestri directed.
- Andrea Azzali created the sound design with loops and defragmentation.
- Collaborators included Conservatorio A. Boito and Ars Canto choir.
- The space was arranged longitudinally as a cross-shaped runway, referencing Franko B and Artaud.
- Performers included Domenico Mento (bass), Ars Canto choir, and eight named performers plus students.
- A photography exhibition by Fiorella Iacono will open in December during Natura Dèi Teatri festival.
Entities
Artists
- Francesco Pititto
- Maria Federica Maestri
- Andrea Azzali
- Domenico Mento
- Gabriella Corsaro
- Elena Alfieri
- Jacopo Antonaci
- Eugenio De Giacomi
- Guido Larghi
- Gioele Malvica
- Giovanni Pelosi
- Giacomo Rastelli
- Michelangelo Turchi Sassi
- Valentina Barbarini
- Walter Bastiani
- Paolo Maccini
- Delfina Rivieri
- Carlotta Spaggiari
- Barbara Voghera
- Sandra Soncini
- Fiorella Iacono
- Giuseppe Verdi
- Franko B
- Antonin Artaud
- Sean Bobbitt
- Simone Azzoni
Institutions
- Lenz Fondazione
- Conservatorio A. Boito
- Ars Canto
- Natura Dèi Teatri
- Artribune
- IUSVE
- Istituto di Design Palladio
Locations
- Parma
- Italy
- Ala Napoleonica dell'ex Carcere di San Francesco