EMBASSY OF ITALY SHOWCASES CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH LITERATURE AND PERFORMANCES

The Embassy of Italy and the Italian Institute of Culture in Nairobi held the 24th edition of the Week of the Italian Language in the World. 

This year’s theme is dubbed Italian and the Book: The World Between the Lines, celebrated Italy’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage through a series of captivating performances. The event  titled Found in Translation included a public reading of My Brilliant Friend by renowned author Elena Ferrante.

The event offered a unique opportunity to experience the richness of the Italian language and its literary treasures through readings in Italian, English, and Swahili interpreted by the renowned voice artist, Wakio Mzenge and the author, Freddie Del Curatolo. Through translation, the lyrical beauty and intricate themes of Italian literature.

The evening also celebrated Kenyan cellist, Masala Sefu, and jazz musician, Olmo Chittò, performing on the vibraphone. “Italian language and literature have long captivated readers around the world, with a rich tapestry of works that span centuries and genres. From Dante Alighieri’s monumental “Divine Comedy” to the modern narratives of Italo Calvino and Elena Ferrante, Italian authors have contributed to literary movements and inspired countless writers,” said The Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Roberto Natali.

As part of this year’s celebrations, the Embassy of Italy and the Italian Institute of Culture also delivered 110 books and teaching materials to Tangaza University, aimed at supporting the university’s Italian language courses. Dr. Wairimu Beatrice Churu, Dean of Arts and Social Sciences, graciously accepted the donation on behalf of the university. 

This initiative is part of an annual program coordinated by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which promotes the teaching of the Italian language worldwide. In Kenya, the program supports three educational institutions Tangaza University, Embu University, and Kenyatta University with a total of 269 books provided to enhance language curricula and foster a deeper understanding of Italy’s cultural and linguistic heritage.