ART IN MOTION
A unique presentation of ‘The Faerie Tale of Venice and the Incense Trade Route’ enlightened people in Muscat of the special bonds – cultural and historic – between Oman and Italy
In elite audience in Muscat were witness to a unique artistic presentation of Thefaerietaleofvenice andtheincensetraderoute created by Italian artists Lucia Oliva, Luca Moretti, and Luca Rajna, a master of narrative photography, as a celebration of friendship between Oman and Italy, at Bait Al Zubair on January 22.
The play, held to highlight an exhibition of intriguing artistic exhibits, was staged under the patronage of H E Sayyed Said bin Sultan al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, as Guest of Honour. Those who attended the event included Their Highnesses Sayyida Susan al Said, Afra al Said, Mouad Al Said, H E Pierluigi D’elia, Ambassador of Italy, Cinzia Farisé, CEO of Oman Cables, prominent artist Mariam al Zadjali and others.
Created by Italian artists in Oman Luca Moretti, Lucia Oliva and Luca Rajna, the fairy tale sought to connect Oman and Italy, though far flung from each other yet close in sentiments. It was the result of the fruitful collaboration between Omani and Italian professionals and amateurs in different fields, working side by side with passion and enthusiasm, with a clear vision and purpose - creating a bridge between cultures.
Patronised by the Italian Embassy in Oman and UNESCO International Action Art, the event was supported by the Ministry of Information – Directorate of Electronic Media, and Bait Al Zubair Museum. The three Italian authors of the show were also presented gold medals and certificates of appreciation for their contribution by Ioannis Maronitis, world General President of UNESCO International Action Art.
The proceedings of the evening began with a short documentary film followed by a storytelling sequence through 24 photographic images and poems inspired by Divinecomedy -a medieval masterpiece of Italian literature.
The exhibition, which will be on at the museum till February 10, includes a selection of significant scenography items used in the film, few artworks by Lucia Oliva themed with the presentation as well as backstage photography by Erfan Arafat and Said al Riyami.
“The classic fairy tale was chosen for the presentation since it has its roots in the most ancient times of all cultures and deserves to be preserved. Like all fairy tales it can be read at two levels - the most immediate one tells of two-time travellers who, in an unknown era, experienced the enchantment of breathing a sublime fragrance (represented by Amouage Gold), so as to charm their senses and become unforgettable.
“Thus, guided by an Enigma that drives them to Venice (Al Bunduqiyya), they follow the clues to seek that treasure, which in the end will be delivered to them together with its precious formula, to be donated to future generations as a gift to mankind,” explains Luca.
The key interpretation, however, is focused on the concept of the never ending journey that every human being is called to undertake - what is life if not a continuous search for elevation towards a higher goal, he asserts.
The project involved around 50 people, including Italians and Omanis – professionals and amateurs – besides those from USA, India, France, Sweden and others who worked on different aspects, from costume designs and props to research/translation and execution since the show consisted varied artistic expressions from video clips and poetry recitation to the theatrical presentation.