By writer and performer ELENA MAZZON
In 13th-century Milan, heretics crown Guglielma of Bohemia the Holy Spirit and Maifreda Pirovano Popess, igniting a wild, female-led holy revolution—a dark comedy to die for! Italy, end of the 13th Century – In the heart of Milan, the heretical sect of the Guglielmites is causing an uproar. Their leader, Guglielma of Bohemia, is believed to be no less than the second coming of the Holy Spirit. She appoints another woman, Sister Maifreda Pirovano, as her Popess. How dare two women proclaim themselves leaders—and worse, declare the dawn of a female-led era where only women can save mankind from eternal suffering?
The Popess: Instructions for Freedom is a black-comedy solo-show that unravels the mystery of a radical, real-life feminist movement. The story unfolds through the eyes of Everywoman, an archetypal figure representing a simple and pure soul in search of the Truth. As she navigates the turbulent streets of Milan, Everywoman crosses paths with Sister Maifreda and her devoted followers, and is drawn in by Guglielma’s revolutionary teachings. As the movement gains momentum, however, it attracts the unwanted gaze of the Church, which sees the Guglielmites as a dire threat to its authority.
What follows is a gripping clash between faith and power, blending dark humour with historical drama as the stakes rise—and history takes a fateful turn.
Info and tickets HERE
Il Circolo, in collaboration with the British Italian Society, presents “Beyond Art: an evening of music and literature”
Margherita Torretta, piano and writer
Victoria Armillotta, soprano
Giorgia Scaturro, moderator and journalist
Nadia Ostacchini, actress, voice over and artistic director of Tricolore Theatre Company.
16 September h 18.15, Italian Cultural Institute
Pianist and writer Margherita Torretta will delight the audience with her performance of classical music pieces alongside the Italian-British soprano Victoria Armillotta. She will also delve, together with moderator and journalist Giorgia Scaturro, into poignant excerpts and themes from her literary debut, Rimmel, a novel published in 2024 by Pendragon. Nadia Ostacchini will be reading selected passages from Rimmel.
This unique evening promises to be an inspiring fusion of words and music, a seamless dialogue of melodies and reflections designed to transport guests on a profound introspective and artistic journey.
Beyond Art celebrates the transformative power of art and culture, which not only offers a unique opportunity to appreciate cultural differences but also to connect with others and understand the value of diversity.
Music by W.A.Mozart, F.Schubert, G.Puccini, G.Verdi, F.Chopin
For full description and registrations, click HERE
A two-day workshop on Uncovering the Afterlife of the Italian Empire organised by Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies
21–22 May at Senate House, London
This in-person event brings together artists, curators, writers, and researchers for an open, transdisciplinary exchange on the legacies of Italian colonialism and their ongoing impact today. Through creative and critical dialogue, we’ll explore collaborative approaches to cultural memory, resistance, and education. All are welcome—registration is free.
For info click here
Preservation as a Creative Act: Perils to Venice in the 21st Century’. Adam Lowe – Royal Designer for Industry, director of Factum Arte, and founder of the Factum Foundation – will speak on Factum’s pioneering use of innovative technologies for cultural preservation, posing questions such as can a cultural experience that had been lost be regained and what is the relationship between originality and authenticity.
For more details and to buy tickets please click here.