Rapsodie digitali: summer school for children at Ostia Antica archaeological park

Rapsodie digitali is a summer school for children aged 9-12 at the Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica, launched by cultural association Affabulazione in collaboration with Teatro del Lido and INFN – Laboratori di Frascati. The project aims to create a participatory digital narrative of the archaeological site, following models already tested in Turin, Barriera, and at the Flashback fair. During the first week, 25 children explored water and hydraulic constructions at the Ostia Antica excavations with an archaeologist from the park's educational service, then conducted physics experiments with INFN scientists. The second week, until July 16, moves to Teatro del Lido where actors and directors guide the children in storytelling techniques, using a green screen to produce video pills. Mariachiara Guerra, architect and project manager, stated that the project is based on the conviction that education is the primary form of urban regeneration and that cultural heritage belongs to the community. Alessandro D'Alessio, Director of the Parco archeologico di Ostia antica, expressed enthusiasm, noting that children first discover the ancient city and Roman engineering, then acquire digital and narrative skills at the theater. Cristiano Petretto, artistic director of Affabulazione, described the project as perfectly defining the association's mission by uniting theater, history, art, science, and new technologies.