Performance 'Amore e Odio' on Rome Metro Roof Honors Afghan Women

On September 18, 2021, a performance titled 'Amore e Odio' took place on the rooftop terrace of the Cavour metro station in Rome's Rione Monti district. The event paid homage to women in Afghanistan fighting for fundamental freedoms. It also launched the 'Festa delle 7 Arti' starting September 25 at the Corviale neighborhood. Curated by Francesca Chialà, a contemporary performer and director, the project aimed to unite the seven arts: music, dance, visual arts, VR cinema, poetry, literature, and theater. Chialà performed with dancers Valeria Vignati and Clara Margherita Cabassi, creating a composition on a 70-meter sailboat. After dipping their feet in seven colors corresponding to the seven chakras, they painted the surface through dance. The choreography was accompanied by Beethoven's 7th Symphony, Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, and Pachelbel's Canon, performed by the Solisti dell’Orchestra Sinfonica Città di Roma conducted by Maestro Ennio Nicotra. The performance was prompted by the soundtrack of a VR cinematic series Chialà is filming, inspired by Umberto Galimberti's book 'Le cose dell’Amore'. The dance simulated a virtual journey to Afghanistan, with dancers wearing Oculus VR 360° headsets. Chialà stated that contemporary art must have a social function and transform reality for the better, involving dozens of national and international artists who embrace a cause they believe in, with everything organized in just seven days.