Secret Florence 17’s Performances, Shows & Screenings

Until June 16: SECRET FLORENCE

Florence will transform into a contemporary playground of art and entertainment during Secret Florence, a special initiative, which takes place from June 10 to June 16. Utilizing various platforms––performance, sound, and visual art—this wide-ranging program highlights the city’s’ lesser-explored locations and a multitude of protagonists from the international art community.

Returning after last year’s successful edition, Secret Florence combines the city’s architectural tradition with free, innovative events reflecting today’s evolving cultural landscape. Throughout this week, audiences can enjoy open screenings, performances, and installations thoughtfully crafted for the occasion (full program at the end of the article).

In the realm of performance art, the cloister of the Novecento Museum will be featuring work from the underground artist, dancer, and clown, Lindsay Kemp. In a piece called “Kemp Dreams Kabuki Courtesans,” professional dancers in costumes designed by students of the IED group will perform improvisational work in collaboration with the Japanese musician, Joji Hirota.

For architecture enthusiasts, the Novecento Museum of 20th Century Art will be holding an exhibition in where the Galleria Guadrante will be reconstructed to honor the work of Vittorio Giorgini, who taught at New York’s Pratt Institute. Archival postcards, letters, drawings, and photographs from the acclaimed post-war architect will be presented for the first time with the help of current artists represented at the gallery.

In a fusion of movement, video, and sound, the Palazzo Strozzi will be hosting a juxtaposition of with Virgilio Sieni’s latest choreography Mistica_Ballo 1951 to complement the Electronic Renaissance exhibition showcasing exhibits by the contemporary video artist Bill Viola.

For film aficionados, Julian Rosefeldt’s multi-screen film installation, il Manifesto, will be shown in the Cinema La Compagnia (via Cavour 50/r). In this striking work, acclaimed actress Cate Blanchett plays 13 different roles.

In contrast, small groups of participants are invited to walk through la Basilica di Santa Croce in order to experience differing levels of sound and quiet. Certain stages of the pathway will be held in complete silence in order to make immersion into the spaces with noise more impactful.

For more information on Secret Florence’s innovative artistic expression reflecting a mélange of centuries past and present, more information can be found at www.estatefiorentina.it  (shiri gross)

PROGRAM

Wednesday, June 14 (7  – 8:30 pm)

Tempo Reale, Percorso SilenzIo

Basilica di Santa Croce

Wednesday, June 14 (9:30 pm)

Mistica_Ballo 1951

Palazzo Strozzi

Thursday, June 15 (3 pm)

Kemp Dreams Kabuki Costumes

Novecento Musuem

Friday, June 16 (6 pm)

VITTORIO GIORGINI Architect (1926-2010)

“Quadrante” (1961-1964)

Novecento Museum

Friday, June 16 (9 pm)

MANIFESTO

Cinema La Compagnia