Maranola Invisible City

Thirty Years of Memory and TransformationInvisible City.

The medieval town of Maranola is preparing to celebrate a special anniversary: the 30th anniversary of “Maranola Città Invisibile,” an artistic event that transformed the town in 1994, making it the setting and stage for Italo Calvino’s work. The event will take place on Sept. 8, 2024, at the Maranola Municipal Villa and promises to be a vibrant and participatory tribute to the memory of that extraordinary event.

In 1994, under the artistic direction of Potlach Theater and organization by Bertolt Brecht Formia Theater and Hormiai Teatro (Teatro Di Limosa), more than two hundred national and international artists invaded Maranola, transforming the village into a living stage. The alleys, squares and buildings became sets, places for art installations, performances and shows that brought to light the historical and cultural memories of the village, creating a unique and immersive experience for all participants.

From that time on, the entire lower Latium region experienced a period of cultural and social renaissance, which led to the creation of festivals, cultural associations, and businesses, including the conversion of historic buildings into spaces for hospitality and culture. Today, 30 years later, the legacy of “Invisible City” continues to be a beacon for the local community. The Seminaria Sogninterra association, which has been involved in organizing and promoting the Environmental Art Biennial of the same name for more than a decade, presents a day to honor this anniversary.

The program includes:

  • Roundtable discussion and debate: with the participation of local associations and artists, including Potlach Theater, Bertolt Brecht Theater, Limosa Theater and OpenLab Company, as a time for collective reflection on the impact of the event on the community.
  • Screening of the film made by the association Seminaria Sogninterra with archival video material, interviews and testimonies of the protagonists of the 1994 edition.
  • Presentation of a community photo album, performance by Michela Rosi and contemporary art installations by Andrea Colaianni, Carlo De Meo and Gerardo De Meo.
  • Live by Vito Cardellicchio and djset by Sidereus to conclude the evening.

Seminaria Sogninterra invites everyone to Maranola to participate in this evening of remembrance and celebration to continue building, through art, a living and welcoming village.

Under the patronage and support of
Municipality of Formia

With the collaboration of
Potlach Theater, Bertolt Brecht Theater, Limosa Theater

Sponsored by

AnnaSped S.r.l.

Photo of playbill

Mauro Abate

Photo documentation

Angelo Leccese / Kostis Dertouziadis

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)