On March 1, 2023, Savona celebrated its candidacy for the Italian Capital of Culture 2027 with the special event titled "SAVONA. THE CITY OF STORIES" at Teatro Chiabrera. The evening showcased the vibrant narratives of 21 citizens from the city, illustrating their connections to Savona through personal tales.
The event's centerpiece was a collective storytelling performance, curated and directed by Gian Luca Favetto, who expertly wove these intimate stories together, turning them from mere anecdotes to shared cultural heritage. Participants ranged from pensioners to students, representing different walks of life, ages 12 to 79, all bound together by their love for their city.
Favetto expressed the essence of the project, stating, "What we will do is tell a city through its fundamental elements, which are not buildings, streets, or houses, but people. I believe people truly meet when they share their personal stories. On March 1 at Chiabrera, we will do precisely this: a work of sharing and not just simple communication." This sentiment highlighted the very marrow of the event; it wasn't just about individual stories, but the interwoven fabric of community identity.
The performance was accompanied by live music from mandolinist Carlo Aonzo and guitarist Renzo Luise, who added melodic depth to the narratives being shared. Together, they crafted an emotional mood, inviting the audience to connect with the stories on both auditory and emotional levels, reinforcing the shared experience of the citizens of Savona.
The event's setup allowed for audience interaction, transcending traditional performance boundaries. Attendees were invited to share chinotto and focaccia with the performers and crew during intermissions, fostering intimacy and community spirit. This unique blend of theatre and social engagement not only celebrated Savona’s culture but also strengthened bonds among its residents.
According to Nicoletta Negro, Savona's Councilor for Culture, "SAVONA. THE CITY OF STORIES is not just a show, but a living and participated homage to our city and its citizens, celebrating the beautiful path of candidacy we've undertaken together." Her words encapsulate the aim behind this initiative—to illuminate the extraordinary narratives embedded within the everyday lives of its residents.
The project began its preparatory phase back on October 25, with Favetto conducting extensive two-hour interviews with each participant to extract their essence and experience. These sessions culminated in 40-line texts, carefully crafted to express both individual and collective identities. The intertwining of stories created a dramatic flow, with each tale serving as a link to form a strong narrative chain.
This well-thought-out, community-centered approach not only reinforced the participatory culture among the residents but also highlighted the transformative power of sharing stories. It provided insights not merely on the city’s history or architecture, but on its pulse—the heartbeat of its people.
While all eyes are on Savona as it vies for the prestigious title of Italian Capital of Culture, the relevance of events like this cannot be overstated. They serve as important reminders of what truly defines culture; the interactions, experiences, and emotions of the people who live there.
Looking beyond the performance, the candidacy of Savona is attributed to the collaborative spirit demonstrated by various civic organizations and community groups who have come together to support the city’s vision. This concerted effort foregrounds how such positions can be won, not just through heritage or architecture, but through living experiences shared among the populace.
With the excitement generated from events like "SAVONA. THE CITY OF STORIES," the city's aspirations for being named the Italian Capital of Culture 2027 seem increasingly attainable. It shines as an exemplar of how civic identity can be expressed through narrative and shared experiences, encouraging collective pride among its residents.
Indeed, Savona's path to greater cultural recognition is one marked not solely by ambition, but by people. Individuals whose stories, like threads, intertwine to create the vibrant fabric of this scenic location. The nurturing of these tales and the collaborative community spirit reflect the very essence of Savona, symbolizing what it means to be its Capital of Culture.