Two giants, each with their own language and vision of the world
Agostino De Angelis, actor and director, will stage a multimedia theater reading dedicated to two of the best authors and extraordinary figures of the 20th century: Eduardo De Filippo and Pier Paolo Pasolini.
De Angelis chose to compare the two great authors, since this year is the fortieth anniversary of the death of Eduardo De Filippo; in fact, he died in Rome on 31 October 1984 and forty-nine Pasolini took place on 2 November 1975 in Ostia.
The event entitled “Eduardo meet Pasolini” will be held in the Hall of Masterpieces of the National Archaeological Museum of Tarquinia on November 3 at 4.30 pm.
The event will be included as part of #domenicalmuseo, an initiative of the Ministry of Culture that allows free entry, every first Sunday of the month, to state museums and archaeological parks, promoted by the Cerveteri Tarquinia Archaeological Park, sponsored by the Lazio Region. and the Capital of the City of Rome, organized by the ArchéoTheatron Cultural Association with the Academy of Theatre, Cinema and Cultural Heritage.
Eduardo De Filippo and Pier Paolo Pasolini: two giants, each with their own language and vision of the world.
Although their artistic paths did not cross directly, their relationship deserves deep consideration, under the influence of deep respect and thematic poems, according to the director.
That was a friendship between the two that lasted for many years starting from 1950, when it was Eduardo who presented Pasolini with the Cattolica Prize, which was awarded to him by a jury composed not only of himself but also of Salvatore Quasimodo, Ernesto De Martino. and Antonello Trombadori.
Pasolini himself spoke positively of Eduardo’s theater many times, and as if that were not enough, as further proof of mutual respect in 1972 Eduardo informed an old traveler in Pasolini’s transposition of The Canterbury Tales.
Although Eduardo and Pasolini came from different backgrounds, their works reflect a common concern for the human condition and a deep compassion for the most vulnerable.
Both used the language of art to investigate and criticize the injustices of society.
Eduardo, with his more traditional approach linked to the theatre, told stories about everyday life, while Pasolini chose cinema and literature as a means to inspire and shake conscience. Moreover, their writing is interwoven with a strong autobiographical component: Eduardo draws inspiration from his life in Naples, while Pasolini deals with his own personal experiences.
The actor-director Agostino De Angelis will give voice to the speeches, letters and stories left as a legacy by the two great characters together with the participation of Riccardo Frontoni, Eleonora Pini, Riccardo Dominici, Luisa De Antoniis and Denny Iacarelli with violin accompaniment Alessandro Bacci and video projections of images and films to pay tribute to two personalities who contributed in a fundamental way to Italian culture, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire generations of artists. Their ability to address the complexity of human life through the medium of art remains a great beacon in the cultural landscape, inviting us all to reflect on our reality and the injustices that surround us.
To venture into the realms of cinema, poetry, and prose, often using provocative imagery and themes. Today, we’re delighted to have Agostino De Angelis here to discuss his upcoming multimedia theater reading, “Eduardo meet Pasolini.” Welcome, Agostino!
Agostino De Angelis: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time.news Editor: Agostino, your event is centered around two iconic 20th-century figures—Eduardo De Filippo and Pier Paolo Pasolini—who shared a remarkable yet complicated relationship. What inspired you to bring these two artists together for this reading?
Agostino De Angelis: Well, both Eduardo and Pasolini were giants in their own right, each possessing a unique voice and perspective on the world. As we mark the fortieth anniversary of Eduardo’s passing this year, I felt it was time to delve into their parallel legacies. They may have come from different artistic traditions, yet their mutual respect and shared concern for social justice and the human condition are strikingly similar.
Time.news Editor: That’s a fascinating take. Could you elaborate on the significance of the setting for this event—the Hall of Masterpieces in the National Archaeological Museum of Tarquinia?
Agostino De Angelis: Absolutely! The choice of setting is deliberate. The Hall of Masterpieces is a place steeped in history, much like the works of Eduardo and Pasolini. This environment reflects the cultural richness of Italy, inviting audiences to immerse themselves not just in the stories but also in the broader historical and artistic context. Additionally, the event is part of the #domenicalmuseo initiative, which promotes accessibility to art and culture—a cause both Eduardo and Pasolini would likely champion.
Time.news Editor: What themes can the audience expect to explore in “Eduardo meet Pasolini”?
Agostino De Angelis: Attendees can anticipate a deep exploration of human vulnerability, social injustice, and the everyday struggles faced by ordinary people—common threads in both Eduardo’s plays and Pasolini’s works. Through multimedia elements and theatrical reading, we will juxtapose their artistic expressions to shine a light on these issues. It’s not just a comparison; it’s a conversation between their works and philosophies.
Time.news Editor: It’s wonderful how you’re creating a dialogue between their legacies. You mentioned their personal friendship, which is often overlooked. Could you share more about that connection?
Agostino De Angelis: Their friendship began in 1950, a pivotal year that solidified their mutual admiration. Eduardo presented Pasolini with the Cattolica Prize, which was a significant moment, showing his respect for Pasolini as a fellow artist. Over the years, Pasolini lauded Eduardo’s theatre, and their interactions hinted at a profound understanding of each other’s craft. In 1972, Eduardo even praised Pasolini’s adaptation of “The Canterbury Tales,” indicating their deep appreciation for one another, despite their differing artistic approaches.
Time.news Editor: It’s beautiful to see how their respect transcended their artistic differences. In what ways do you believe Eduardo and Pasolini’s works resonate with contemporary audiences?
Agostino De Angelis: Today, we face numerous social injustices, whether it’s through economic disparity, discrimination, or the ongoing struggles of marginalized communities. Eduardo’s compassionate portrayal of everyday life and Pasolini’s bold critiques of society remain relevant, sparking important conversations. I hope audiences leave the event feeling inspired to reflect on the human condition in their own lives.
Time.news Editor: Agostino, it sounds like an enriching experience! Thank you for sharing insights into “Eduardo meet Pasolini.” We’re eager for the event on November 3rd.
Agostino De Angelis: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this project! I look forward to welcoming everyone to this celebration of two extraordinary voices.