Magnificat by Alda Merini — Sanctuary of Caravaggio

Poetry and Theatre at the Sanctuary

Among the most evocative events of the spring in the Caravaggio-Bergamo area is the staging of Alda Merini's Magnificat at the Sanctuary of Caravaggio, in the province of Bergamo. Not just any theatrical venue, but one of Lombardy's most important Marian sanctuaries, which for one evening welcomes the poignant verses of the great Milanese poetess.

Alda Merini's Magnificat

Merini's Magnificat is a poetic and profoundly human reinterpretation of the figure of Mary, seen as a young woman facing the divine mystery. On stage, Arianna Scommegna's interpretation conveys, as has been written, all the carnality and intimacy of this vision, in an intertwining of word, faith, and theatre.

The creators of the show

The adaptation is by Gabriele Allevi, the direction by Paolo Bignamini, with music and accordion by Katerina Haidukova and music by Giulia Bertasi. The production is by Teatro de Gli Incamminati, in collaboration with ScenAperta Altomilanese Teatri and ATIR.

In the sign of the Apparition

The performance is part of the celebrations preceding the Solemnity of the Apparition on May 26th, commemorating the Virgin's appearance to the young Giannetta. It also marks the end of the spring season of the San Carlo Theatre of Caravaggio: a free admission event that blends the spiritual dimension of the place with the power of great Italian poetry.