Starting on Saturday, May 17, the international contemporary dance festival Mare Nostrum will be bursting into museums and historic sites, mixing cultures in a mix that might turn up the noses of cultural heritage purists.
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Conceived and directed by Claudio Malangone, this initiative unites institutions and artists in a vortex of dancing bodies that narrate the Mediterranean through movement, memory and art, transforming sacred places into living and controversial stages.
The inauguration that sparks controversy
Mare Nostrum starts with fifteen companies from five Mediterranean countries – Italy, Croatia, Albania, Tunisia and Spain – for a ten-day calendar from May 17 to October 19. The shows take place in historical settings such as the National Archaeological Museum of Pontecagnano “Gli Etruschi di Frontiera”, the Archaeological Museum of Eboli, the Certosa di Padula and the Archaeological Park of Pontecagnano Faiano. The opening event, «Carte Blanche», sees the Tunisian company Al Badil Alternative Culturelle, directed by Selim Ben Safia, debut during the European Night of Museums with performers such as Marwen Errouine and Mohamed Issaoui. Their powerful and provocative choreographic language explores identity, body and freedom in such an intense way that it risks shaking conservative sensibilities, all for a symbolic entrance of 1 euro from 19 pm.
A synergy that mixes and upsets
The result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, the Regional Directorate of National Museums of Campania, the Municipality of Pontecagnano Faiano, the Municipality of Padula and the Comunità Montana Vallo di Diano, this event presents itself as a dynamic and widespread cultural laboratory. "A synergy that enhances the territory and tells the beauty of the encounter between cultures. Dance becomes a symbol of union, respect and shared vision", as stated by Roberta D'Amico, Councilor for Culture of the Municipality of Pontecagnano Faiano. But be careful: uniting traditions in this way could be seen as an artistic invasion, with dancers who challenge cultural boundaries in spaces that some consider untouchable.
Dancing visions that unite and divide
“A ten-date journey that unites our museums, connects cultures and continents, and brings visitors closer to cultural heritage through the universal language of dance”, explains Luana Toniolo, Director of the Regional Directorate of National Museums of Campania. And again, "The renewed trust by the Regional Directorate of National Museums of Campania in entrusting me with the artistic direction of this project for the second consecutive year is a source of great pride and responsibility for me. Creating a quality program, capable of speaking to the public and the community, is my commitment and my deepest desire", underlines Claudio Malangone. Mare Nostrum goes beyond dance, becoming a bridge between past and future, where the body in movement challenges conventions and unites shores in a Mediterranean boiling with emotions and debates.
Article published on May 15, 2025 - 12:37 pm
Video Chronicles
The idea of mixing contemporary dance with historical sites is an interesting but also a bit controversial thing. Some might say that it is right to respect the tradition, while others can appreciate the new. It will be an experiment to follow.