On March 19, 2025, Roberto Benigni took to the airwaves with his highly anticipated show 'Il Sogno,' broadcasted live on Rai 1 at 21:30 CET, and simultaneously across Rai Radio 2 and RaiPlay. This performance marks a significant return for the beloved Italian actor, who last graced television screens a decade ago with his acclaimed show 'I dieci comandamenti.'
Opening the show, Benigni extended a warm greeting to President Mattarella, expressing gratitude as he acknowledged the President's viewership. He didn't shy away from injecting a bit of humor, wishing Pope Francis a swift recovery and referencing the Pope's calls for peace during his remarks. "What a Pope we have!" Benigni exclaimed, setting the tone for a night that oscillated between joviality and gravity.
As the show progressed, Benigni seized the moment to address pressing contemporary issues, particularly touching upon the controversy ignited by Premier Giorgia Meloni’s statements regarding Ventotene, a small Italian island significant in the history of European unity. He proudly claimed, "We've done many wonderful things as Europeans; we should remember who we are. We have much to be proud of!" This declaration served as a reminder of the achievements of Europe, which he emphasized with a touch of nostalgia.
Benigni elaborated on the historical significance of Ventotene, stating, "In 1941, during a time of ruin and loss, three men – Eugenio Colorni, Ernesto Rossi, and Altiero Spinelli – conceived the revolutionary idea of European unity. They were heroes of our history, dreamers with extraordinary foresight." With palpable passion, he branded himself as an "extreme Europeanist," dubbing the European Union as the greatest institution of the past 5,000 years.
His monologue resonated deeply with many, as he argued, "The European Union is not a cold entity in Brussels; it’s vibrant, warm, full of passion and love. No wonder Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' is its anthem!" He underscored the importance of maintaining this unity against the tides of nationalism, which he warned could lead to devastating conflicts. "Nationalism is a disease that masquerades as patriotism, fueled by fear. We must never confuse the two!" His impassioned speech served as both a reminder of history's lessons and a rallying cry for unity.
Continuing with his signature humor, Benigni made light of a joke he shared at the Sanremo Festival regarding the prime minister's rumored romantic involvement with tech billionaire Elon Musk. "Meloni called to deny it: 'It’s not true, I swear on my Tesla!'" he quipped, eliciting laughter from the audience while pointing out the sometimes absurdity of political discourse in Italy.
Written by Benigni alongside collaborators Michele Ballerin and Stefano Andreoli, and with music composed by his longtime partner Nicola Piovani, the night was crafted not only as an entertainment extravaganza but as a thoughtful discourse on aspirations and dreams. In his own words, "During the show, we’ll talk about us, Europe, the world, and our desires. I am a great dreamer, and as the Poet said, great dreamers never dream alone; we’ll dream together!" This theme of collective aspiration underpinned the entire performance, positioning it as a reflective journey through the joys and challenges of life.
What made 'Il Sogno' stand out was its rich blend of humor, social consciousness, and poetry, all hallmarks of Benigni's long-standing legacy in the performing arts. Over the decades, he has captivated audiences not just with comedy but with deep dives into cultural and historical themes. His previous shows, including explorations of Dante’s works and the principles of Italy’s Constitution, have established him as a cultural icon.
The show was not merely a performance; it was a call to reflect on societal values and European identity. "We’ve done many wonderful things, and we also need to remember the bad. We, as Europeans, must not forget it!" Benigni urged, reminding viewers of the importance of confronting their shared history.
As the performance unfolded, audiences were treated to a blend of whimsical storytelling and serious commentary, a style that has become synonymous with Benigni's work. The intent was clear: to evoke a sense of pride and reflection while injecting laughter into the conversation about serious matters. His charisma and warmth, coupled with the power of his message, made for a compelling evening.
Benigni's reflections on the state of the world today—addressing not only issues of peace and unity but also other global challenges like climate change and the rise of extreme political movements—remind us that discourse is necessary, even when couched in humor.
In summation, the success of 'Il Sogno' lies in its ability to spark a dialogue among viewers while entertaining them. Benigni, through humor and heartfelt passion, encourages a collective dream, tapping into a shared desire for a united Europe, echoing the sentiments first expressed by visionary thinkers decades ago. His poignant reminders resonate as a call for unity amidst an ever-changing world.
