MASSA – The symbol of loyalty to oneself, of the courage of one’s ideas, an iconic figure linked to the concept of freedom at the cost of one’s life: Antigone has been watching over Massa since yesterday. It is a majestic work, five meters high, masterfully created by the Apuan sculptor Francesco Siani and placed with a beautiful ceremony in which the mayor was also present, in the garden in front of the post office. Not far from the Guglielmi Theatre, with which the monumental work had to do: Siani’s Antigone was in fact part of the scenography of the show of the Rossi High School Theater Company at the Lazzareschi quarries, in 2018. At the time the theater of the city was closed. “We are here for an event that marks an important chapter in the history of our city: the inauguration of the Statue of Antigone – the mayor Francesco Persiani spoke during the ceremony -. This work, which stands majestically before us, is more than a simple monument; it is a tribute to your extraordinary interpretation of Antigone, which breathed new life into a timeless classic. Your performance, set in our historic marble quarries, took Greek tragedy out of the textbooks, making it a tangible and vibrant reality for the entire community – Persiani thanked and complimented him -. You have passionately demonstrated that the themes explored by Sophocles are eternal, still relevant today and capable of touching the heart and mind. The statue, created by the artist Francesco Siani in 2018 who honored us with his presence and which I would like to thank on behalf of the entire city, was generously donated to us by the MGI Group, and today finds its new home in front of the Post Office . It will become a daily reminder of your impact on the cultural life of Massa, symbolizing the strength and resilience not only of Antigone, but also yours, as young artists and custodians of our cultural heritage. With this inauguration and future performances at the Guglielmi Theater, you continue to weave the thread of classic storytelling, leaving an indelible mark that will inspire generations to come. I would like to thank Professor Gennaro Di Leo – added the mayor – who with commitment and passion created this beautiful show which is being performed again at the Guglielmi. As you all know, this is the school project entitled “Dramaturgy Laboratory – the Classical Theatre” directed by prof. Di Leo, with the participation of the children of the Theater Company of the Rossi high school, which every year is staged during the municipal event “La Classe goes on stage”. It made its debut in the quarry and, given the closure of Guglielmi at the time, it was also performed at the Malaspina Castle, at the San Giorgio Castle in Spezia, at the Piagnaro Castle in Pontremoli, in the archaeological area of Luni and at the Greek theater of Palazzolo Acreide ( Syracuse). I encourage you to keep this passion and dedication to art alive – concluded the mayor while greeting the students -, reminding you that every performance you offer is a priceless gift for our community. Thank you for your tireless commitment and the energy you put into each of your performances. I wish each of you a future full of successes and new, exciting artistic adventures.”
