Orestiadi Festival in Gibellina Opens 43rd Edition with Focus on Words and Civil Engagement

The 43rd edition of the Orestiadi Festival in Gibellina, Trapani province, opened on July 5, 2024, with 'Anche per oggi non si vola', a tribute to Giorgio Gaber featuring Salvo Ficarra. The festival will close on August 10 at the Cretto di Burri with 'Radio Libera Sicilia', celebrating Danilo Dolci, with Claudio Gioè, Vincenzo Pirrotta, and N.A.I.P. The festival, running since 1982, renews its civil and social commitment, emphasizing the power of words in contrast to contemporary theater's loss of speech. It was founded by enlightened mayor Ludovico Corrao, who rebuilt the earthquake-stricken city through art and was assassinated in 2011. The festival has hosted international figures like Philip Glass, Bob Wilson, Thierry Salmon, and Emilio Isgrò, whose 'Orestea' gave the festival its name. This year's program includes 'Canzune Segreta' with music by Dario Mangiaracina of La Rappresentante di Lista, addressing solitude and community. The festival maintains a strong civil engagement, involving the local community.