In Rome, Opera in Ruins
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010The headline of the article read: “In Rome, Opera in Ruins“. Truth is this uniquely Italian form of music and theatre continues to flourish.
Visitors to Rome often marvel at the astonishing integration of ancient structures into the city’s modern fabric. Shops, an embassy and a gelateria all sit atop the ruins of a first-century stadium; apartments lean on the Theater of Marcellus; even the mayor’s office claims a Republican-era records hall as its foundation. This summer, the eye-opening ruins of the Baths of Caracalla join the fun, hosting ballet and opera performances.
Summer operas in the ruins of the third-century public baths are nothing new. The tradition dates back to the 1930s and, save for a couple of interruptions (1940 to 1944 and 1994 to 2000), outdoor summer performances at the complex have been held annually, making them synonymous with sultry Roman summer evenings.
A ballet, “Romeo and Juliet,” has just finished its run, and will be followed by two operas: “Aida” (July 15 to Aug. 5) and “Rigoletto” (July 28 to Aug. 8). Both of these Verdi works were first performed at the baths in the 1930s, when the stage and seating were set up inside the ruins themselves.
Today, visitors sit on bleachers outside the baths and the stage is set up a short distance from the ruins. The impressive walls of the ancient caldarium (hot room) become stage scenery. Though despoiled of their stone veneer, mosaics and columns, the Baths of Caracalla provide an evocative setting and intensify the magic of this decades-old tradition.
Tickets are available online at the Opera Web site (39-06-481-60-255; en.operaroma.it), starting at 26.50 euros, about $32. They are also sold at the box office on the night of each performance, though due to the high demand for tickets, advance reservations are recommended.–From NY Times’ Travel.
4. Rides of a Lifetime
“Renata Molho’s Being Armani, the authorized biography of the man behind Italy’s most successful fashion brand, tries to minimize any negative impressions of Giorgio’s domineering personality by celebrating his work ethic, and it consequently often reads more like a defense than a life story. Sadly, this defense does include any anecdotes as amusing as Dickinson’s, although the characterization of Armani is often the same. “Armani walks a fine line between democracy and tyranny,” Molho warns, yet she presents little evidence of his democratic moments. “He demands absolute loyalty, turning his back on anyone who leaves his orbit.” This is unsurprising behavior from a man the press once com monly called “King Giorgio,” and who admits that the best compliment he’ll give an employee is “I really taught you well.”Armani’s childhood and career trajectory are dutifully recounted in the book’s first two chapters. He entered the world of fashion via the world of retail, as a consultant and window dresser for a large Italian department store, and this background, according to Molho, was crucial in shaping his instinct for creating clothing that the public wants, rather than fanciful designs that are conceived without the thought of consumers’ needs. It was not until 1975, at the age of 39, that Armani created the eponymous empire he’s known for today after an eight year stint designing menswear for another label.
great read in all its pathos. She received full cooperation from everyone except Allegra Versace, daughter of Donatella and heiress to the house of Versace because her late uncle willed it all to her when she was just 12. Donatella’s drug use is not spared here, but she received even-handed treatment as we see exactly what she faced when Gianni Versace was murdered in Miami and left her to replace him as the designing genius. She wasn’t up to the task, but she muddled through. The story ends recently, but the tale of Versace is still unfolding. The main flaw is the relative lack of good photos. We get several generic shots of Casa Casuarina, the Ocean Drive mansion where Versace was shot. But there are none of the Milan atelier where all the clothes are designed and where a lot of this tale takes place.
> Capocotta Beach, Lazio – This beach isn’t far from Rome, and there’s a dedicated nude beach section that’s about 250 meters long. The whole beach is part of an official nature reserve, and nudists have been baring everything on this beach for more than 30 years. It wasn’t until 2000 that local officials set aside the special section for naturists, however. free admission, chairs & umbrellas available, showers, bar/restaurant, public toilets
At the center of Roman high fashion district, around the corner from Piazza di Spagna, a new townhouse where everything is designed to make life more “dolce”, just above the Salvatore Ferragamo Men’s Store in Via Condotti. In the private dimension of only 14 suites and studios, a unique style of bespoke hospitality. Portrait Suites offers reception 24 hours, free Internet Wi-Fi, garage service, bar, continental breakfast served in the studio/suite or outdoor on the rooftop Terrace that looks out over the Spanish Steps. Many of the staff are present and former Ferragamo models.
The Turin, Italy based company 
> La Terrazza del Chiostro
Truffles are found mainly in the regions of Piedmont, Tuscany, Umbria, and Le Marche. During October and November there are many white truffle fairs held in these regions and fall dishes made with the white truffle, tartufo bianco, are plentiful in this part of Italy. What could be more romantic than feasting on a meal made with the sensuous truffle?
