Alberto Angela's beloved cultural program, Ulisse, il piacere della scoperta, is set to return to Rai1 on April 7, 2025, marking a significant milestone as it celebrates its 25th anniversary this November. The show promises a fresh and engaging approach to storytelling, blending history, art, and culture with innovative formats.
The new season will kick off with an episode dedicated to the renowned painter Vincent van Gogh. Angela plans to utilize virtual reality to immerse viewers in Van Gogh's masterpieces, revealing the complexities of the artist's life and the emotional depth of his work. "We will enter his paintings, where he projected his soul, and realize that behind the fame of a misunderstood artist, there lies a learned and cultured individual," Angela explained.
Following Van Gogh, the second episode will take viewers on a musical journey through London, exploring the city’s history and cultural landmarks through the songs of iconic artists such as Elton John, Queen, Amy Winehouse, and David Bowie. Angela describes this episode as an experiment, saying, "We will discover the city through the music of great artists, transforming the lyrics into a narrative that evokes personal memories for viewers." This fresh perspective aims to connect the audience more deeply with the places and stories being told.
Angela has expressed excitement about this new approach, stating, "Music has always been a companion on our journey. In this case, we are flipping the script: the lyrics accompany the music. It’s the first time I describe the city's 'monuments' that cannot be touched, using the backdrop of songs to tell their stories." He has visited significant locations such as Wembley Stadium, Camden Town, and the famous Abbey Road Studios while preparing for this episode.
The third episode will shift focus to Istanbul, delving into its rich history and the life of Lucrezia Borgia, a controversial figure of the Renaissance. Angela intends to challenge the stereotypes surrounding Borgia, aiming to portray her as more of a victim than a villain, caught in the turbulent power dynamics of her time.
Each episode of Ulisse is designed to be unique and innovative. Angela emphasizes the importance of continual evolution in educational programming, stating, "The secret of dissemination lies in the ability to innovate continuously, never remaining still." This philosophy has led to other successful projects under the Angela brand, such as Meraviglie, which featured a groundbreaking two-hour sequence filmed entirely in Pompeii.
As the program gears up for its new season, Angela is also looking ahead to the return of Noos at the end of June 2025 and the production of the next season of Ulisse in May and June. He believes that sharing stories of beauty and history is crucial for understanding the present. "Knowledge is a reliable vessel even in the most challenging times," he concluded.
With its blend of education and entertainment, Ulisse continues to captivate audiences, promising to deliver enriching content that resonates with viewers of all ages. The upcoming episodes are not just a celebration of the show's legacy but also a testament to Angela's commitment to exploring new horizons in cultural storytelling.
