ANTONIA SAUTTER BRINGS IL BALLO DEL DOGE TO CHINA
Through her clothes’ magic and the artistic cast of Il Ballo del Doge (“the Doge’s Ball”), Antonia Sautter has brought the Carnival of Venice to China. The Venetian entrepreneur and fashion designer has led over 60 thousand Chinese viewers on an evocative, historical-allegorical, two-hour livestreaming journey into discovering Venice and its Carnival. The initiative was aimed at keeping Chinese tourists connected to the unrivaled artistic and cultural heritage of Venice – and of Italy as a whole – while waiting for international travels to resume.
It was made possible thanks to Fliggy, Alibaba Group’s online travel platform. In the year in which Venice is celebrating its 1,600th anniversary, Antonia Sautter – by way of this digital initiative – has become an active part of this extraordinary celebration and has paid tribute to the city which has always been an endless source of inspiration to her.
Last March Il Ballo del Doge took center-stage in China. With a full two-hour livestream, you have managed to lead Chinese users on a journey into discovering Venice and its Carnival. How did the idea of this project come about?
The initiative created for Fliggy (Alibaba’s travel platform) was part of a series of greater partnerships with tourist as well as cultural attractions throughout Europe. Among these were some of the world’s most famous museums such as the Louvre Museum, the British Museum and the Prado in Madrid, to name a few. Guided tours of sculptures, paintings and various works of art were organized inside those that are considered very traditional museums. As this was an extraordinary opportunity for visibility, I wanted to
The creative flair of Antonia Sautter and “Il Ballo del Doge” have reached the Far East via streaming to show millions of Chinese tourists the wonders of the “Carnival of Venice”
create something innovative, original and dynamic. To depict Venice and its Carnival, I chose 40 performers out of my artistic cast in order for them to interpret some tableaux vivants I have created. The outcome was extremely exciting. One hundred twenty minutes of live streaming in which I gave life to characters such as “Il Doge,” Caterina Cornaro, Veronica Franco, Casanova and Marco Polo. I was able to show Chinese users – connected through their smartphones –some of this extraordinary city’s many souls; those dearer to me.
Through my allegorical dresses, we were able to represent Venice Queen of the Sea, Venice Queen of Silk and Commerce as well as Venice Queen of the Secret Gardens, with the aim of narrating its true essence, which is fragile as well as precious. We brought a small Ballo del Doge straight to the Chinese public; it was at their fingertips and accessible through their smartphones.
How was this innovative narrative welcomed by Asian users?
The platform’s users are accustomed to this method of storytelling through livestreams. I would say that in the course of more than one year of lockdown we have all tuned into these new technologies.
Our livestream has reached more than 60 thousand connected users and it received 50 thousand likes; I would call that a great success. Taking into account the fact that for us – and for the city of Venice – it was a first, I say we can be extremely pleased.
The event was undoubtedly a unique opportunity to carry forward the tale of the Venetian Carnival, as it is one of the world’s primary events. Is continuing to promote Italy something that is necessary today more than ever before ?
The concept of narrating by way of tableaux vivants, with actors and artists from Il Ballo del Doge, has undoubtedly enabled to convey Venice’s anecdotes, characters and traditions in an innovative way. It brought a touch of the Carnival’s magic; as well as the magic of my Doge’s Ball to the connected audience. Seeing singers, dancers and performers moving together with me inside the halls of the Scuola Grande della Misericordia – the venue where the event took place – with small scenographies and related music, was extremely exciting for me; an excitement which I am confident was also felt all the way in China. Digital initiatives through social media or new apps – such as the recently launched Clubhouse– are very precious opportunities, especially in these complex historical times. Today, for all those who have touristrelated businesses – such as Venetians continuing to promote one’s business – coming up with big or small marketing initiatives, using social media in an effective manner and enhancing online sales is definitely a priority; more than ever before. We need to let people know that we are here, and ready-to-go as soon as materially possible.
Venice has just celebrated its 1,600th year. What do you wish for the city that has always inspired you in your creative endeavors?
One thousand six hundred years is an extraordinary milestone if we take into consideration that Venice has managed to hold all of its beauty, history and art intact. What I wish for my city is for her to be able to take advantage of this moment of stillness. I believe in a different concept of Venice and of the Carnival, a concept made of culture, art, values, uniqueness and a deep awareness of the history and of the city itself. A new way of looking at the city, through which tourists can once again discover it and look at it with a gaze that overflows with profound respect. Today, communicating in a new and ethical manner means seizing the opportunity that we are currently being given, which is to propose a new form of tourism capable of turning a tourist into a traveler. Perhaps, as a city, Venice is not for everyone. By elevating our tradition, our ideals and our values we could certainly attract a different kind of tourism; one that is interested in discovering these places which are a heritage for the entire humankind.
What do foreigners miss about Italy?
Giving an answer to this question is so simple for me: everything!
Italy is in the heart of every traveler. Our beautiful peninsula is capable of unleashing an unparalleled appeal, and – just as a beautiful and cultured lady – it manages to capture the heart of anyone who is lucky enough to have met her; an art and history heritage that the whole world envies us, its incredible food and wine tradition, the unparalleled natural beauty and the breathtaking landscapes. Italy, however, is not just loved for its iconic landmarks and art cities, but also for fashion events and significant cultural events, for the welcoming smiles of the Italian people and the warmth they are able to convey. All this makes our land cherished and respected all over the world. How can all this not be missed?
In the hope that the wheels will start turning once again very soon, how do you envisage the next Ballo del Doge? Do you already have a well-wishing theme in mind?
Despite the difficult times, my team and I have never stopped working to keep the Ballo del Doge project alive. I have already chosen the name for what will be the 28th edition: Amor Opus Magnum.
I envisage it as a rebirth, an extraordinary celebration dressed with intense colors in order to celebrate the beginning of a new life, one in which creativity, tradition, beauty and art will once again have room to express themselves in a burst of joie
de vivre and freedom.