«But how dare you, do you know where you are and what you are touching?». He doesn’t mince words Luca Tommassini, well-known choreographer and artistic directorwho denounces the total lack of respect towards Matera, considered by all as an asset “of inestimable value”.
It is one of the most appreciated and ancient cities in the world which, over the years, has obtained prestigious awards that have marked its history. Since 1993 it has boasted the Sassi and the Park of the Rock Churches as a World Heritage Site, while in 2019 it was awarded the title of European Capital of Culture.
For these reasons, through a post on Instagram, the Roman professional intervened to highlight the urgency of protecting and safeguarding this extraordinary territory, which brings together habits, customs, traditions and peculiarities out of the ordinary, so much so that it has been included in a list of sites of “outstanding universal value”.
Tommassini: «Matera is a UNESCO heritage site for this reason»
In fact, the dancer – known to the general public thanks to programs such as “X-Factor” and “Amici” by Maria De Filippi and In his CV he also boasts having been part of Madonna’s dance troupe in the 90s – condemns those who carry out parkour in this corner of Basilicata. In particular, it is a sporting discipline that was born in France in the mid-1980s and consists of the ability to complete a route overcoming any kind of obstacle in a fast and efficient manner.
But as he shows in a video on social media, Tommassini raises the alarm about the damage and dangers this activity causes, especially in a rare place like the city of Sassi. «Matera should not be used as a parkour park, that stone could be there before the discovery of America or even before. This city is a UNESCO heritage site for a reason. You should enjoy our discipline as much as possible, but you should also be careful where you put your feet, not only for safety but also for respect for the culture that belongs to all of us”, writes the choreographer in the post.
