The Compagnia del Teatro degli Eventi, under the direction of Maurizio Merolla, will present a show entitled "Stella Maris" on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 7:30 pm at the Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata Maggiore in Naples. This event, written by Paola Apuzza in collaboration with Merolla, will offer a sacred representation in Neapolitan of the Annunciation and the birth of Jesus, accompanied by Christmas music and carols.
A Living Nativity Scene
The performance is structured through scenarios that recall a nativity scene, populated by traditional figures such as Benino, the shepherdesses and Herod, who are part of the Neapolitan nativity scene of the 18th century. The actors of the sacred representation bring to light religious themes through the human characterization of their characters, expressing the complex emotions that a divine event arouses between fear, amazement and doubt.
The Influence of the Neapolitan Language
The narration is enriched by the verbal and musical power of the Neapolitan dialect, which Merolla emphasizes as a tool capable of transmitting the nuances and vivid emotions of the characters. Through dialogues in Neapolitan, the interpreters communicate the essence of the experiences linked to the historical figures of the nativity scene.
Artistic Collaboration
The soundtrack, composed by Maestro Giancarlo Sanduzzi, fades into the songs performed by the choir of Angelo De Biase, Antonella Firinu, Luciano Matarazzo, Marta Pignataro and Osvaldo Ardita. Antonio Ercolino contributed with the musical consultancy. The cast of the company includes Flavia Chiarolanza, Ilaria Stanzione, Livia Marotta Brusco, Luca Coppola, Monica Piantedosi, Elisa Carbone, Maurizio Merolla, Rita Aurigemma, Luciana Vitale, Fabrizio La Procida, Bruno Preziosi, Anna Napolitano and Pietro De Lise, each in the role of symbolic figures linked to Christmas. The show is preparing to offer a theatrical and cultural experience that explores the meaning of Advent from a perspective rooted in Neapolitan traditions.
The event seems to be very interesting and the choice of the Neapolitan language is a nice idea, but I don't know if I'll be able to go. I hope there will be a good number of people who will participate, it could be a nice show.