Living the city every day, those who live there see and highlight the daily problems and inconveniences, the desertification of the centre, the episodes of violence and the social and urban decay that have transformed what was the “living room”, the “face” nice to show tourists in suburban suburbs. A real paradox if you consider that Viterbo city only has the center that can be used for tourism. But if the gaze of the residents, now so accustomed to the historical and architectural beauties that they no longer even see them, is critical, the reactions of those coming from other areas of Italy are very different. Even those who come from cities rich in art and history such as Rome and Naples. Two cities mentioned not by chance. The two characters interviewed during a visit to Palazzo dei Priori in fact come from the capital and from Partenope.
Two characters known above all to television and theater audiences: Marco Marzocca and Stefano Sarcinelli. Various masks proposed by Marzocca, in his long career as a comedian and author. Among the best known – especially to Zelig’s audience – is that of Ariel, the Filipino servant who works at Claudio Bisio’s house and whose furniture, furnishings and appliances he “varies”, with results that are as disastrous as they are hilarious.
But what does Marzocca do in Viterbo and, in particular, in Palazzo dei Priori?
«I came to Viterbo casually a couple of years ago for work reasons. I am Roman, born and always lived in Rome. I visited Viterbo well, which I thought I knew but in reality I didn’t know at all, and I discovered a wonderful place.”
He was so positively impressed that «I fell in love with the historic center. I found a house a stone’s throw from Piazza delle Erbe, which I bought immediately, I renovated it and now I have become increasingly interested in this reality which strangely is almost unknown in Italy. And I say strangely because, with each passing day, I discover little corners like this Palazzo dei Priori which is incredible for the beauty of the frescoes.”
Then Marco Marzocca concludes: «I would like to help out as much as we can, we do entertainment, we do comedy, but with our work maybe we will be able to do something to bring the name of Viterbo around Italy».
Accompanying him on the visit to the town hall was his friend and colleague Stefano Sarcinelli, comedian, television author and theater director.
«I was involved by Marco in this beautiful day in Viterbo. Among other things, it’s not the first time because Marzocca immediately involved me with enthusiasm in this relationship with the city of Viterbo which is truly wonderful and which, despite myself – he reveals – I didn’t know well except for what the story is a little ‘ he told us about the first conclave. Instead it is a city that has a rich, stimulating, current history because having a building like this (of the Priori ed.) where the city council takes place, where therefore the active life of the city continues to be present is an important fact not only for the city of Viterbo but for our entire history, which is a history of tradition not linked to a museum but to a tradition that becomes reality every day, becomes current and therefore lives. This is a very interesting thing.” A visit to the city and the palace which could also be a harbinger of future theatrical events. At least that’s what Sarcinelli hopes.
«We would like to collaborate with the city of Viterbo to make our small contribution which we hope will be useful above all to the city and the citizens to strengthen the community and to also make sure that this beautiful reality is made known to those who don’t yet know it».
