The message for the Commedia dell'Arte Day

Each year a person associated with the tradition of Commedia dell'Arte is invited to write a special message in honor of Commedia dell'Arte. The message is translated and read at events around the world as well as published in newspapers and presented on radio and TV.

Audrey Azoulay

Audrey Azoulay

Dedication by Audrey Azoulay

Actresses from Spain, Czechia, France, Italy, Slovakia, Belgium, Romania, celebrating in a French metropolis an emblem of Italian culture: such is the exciting proposition of these theatrical days which make Nancy, for five days, the world capital of Commedia dell'arte.

And this is the unifying message of creation, on all stages of the world, through its streets, through its monuments: humanity is in possession of a common language which frees itself from the barriers that division and prejudices erect between peoples.

What better ambassador than theater, this art of space and speech, to reaffirm the importance of the dialogue of cultures that UNESCO has promoted since its creation, and which will find in Nancy a privileged place to practice?

While the performing arts, and particularly those of the theater, are among the elements of the intangible cultural heritage that our Organization protects and promotes, I hope that the Nancy public – and beyond – draws inspiration from these theatrical days. powerful artistic joy, as well as profound reasons to open oneself to the universal part inherent in all creation.

Audrey Azoulay,
Director-General of UNESCO

Short Biography

Audrey Azoulay is a French civil servant and politician who has been serving as the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) since 2017, becoming the second female leader of the organization.

 

Ferruccio Soleri

Ferruccio Soleri

Dedication by Ferruccio Soleri

Dear lovers of the Commedia dell'Arte,

It is with immense joy that we meet again, immersing ourselves in the art and tradition of this magnificent theatrical genre. Commedia dell'Arte has always been a beacon of creativity, improvisation and iconic characters that have enchanted and entertained generations.

This year, we look forward to the future with excitement, as Nancy, a city that shares our passion for the theatrical arts, has been designated a World Capital in 2024. This recognition will bring a special focus on the historical roots and modern interpretation of Commedia dell'Arte, celebrating the art of improvisation and the magic of masks in a global context.

It will be a unique opportunity to bring together artists, enthusiasts and scholars of this genre, sharing our passion and strengthening the bond that Commedia dell'arte has created between different cultures and generations.

A year of celebrations, unforgettable performances and knowledge sharing awaits us. Let's get ready to live an extraordinary experience in the enchanting setting of Nancy, where art comes to life and unites us in the magic of the Commedia dell'Arte.

Thank you all for being part of this extraordinary artistic journey and for sharing the passion for Commedia dell'Arte. See you in Nancy in 2024!

Short Biography

Ferruccio Soleri (Florence, 6 November 1929) is an Italian theater actor, playwright and theater director. An actor of extraordinary physical agility and interpretative flexibility, he was chosen by Giorgio Strehler in 1959 as Marcello Moretti's replacement for the title role in Carlo Goldoni's The Servant of Two Masters. Soleri relieved Moretti once a week, and then replaced him when he passed away.