May 11 – Some argue that the Italian Latin lover no longer exists; yet people like Rudolph Valentino and Raoul Bova perpetuate the myth. The idea of an Italian Latin lover continues to fascinate and interest (as evidenced by Cristina Comencini’s recently-released film “Latin Lover”) and it should be remembered that it is often associated to the image of Italy and Italians. Niamh Cullen from University College Dublin has analyzed and re-elaborated this concept in an exhibition that will open on Thursday, May 14 at 6:30pm the Italian Cultural Institute in Dublin. The project wants to discover the reality behind the stereotype, exploring how concepts like courtship, love and marriage changed in Italy in the 1950s and 1960s. The exhibition, which will remain open until Friday, May 22, is held in the Italian Cultural Institute in Dublin, which organized the exhibition with the support of the Irish Research Council. During the inauguration Professor Emanuela Scarpellini (University of Milan) will talk about “A changing society: Family and consumer culture in Italy in the 1950s-1960s.” Scarpellini collaborates with newspapers, cultural magazines and newspapers. She has organized theatrical evenings of historical commemorations, collaborated in exhibitions and produced media products; she has participated in many radio and television programs about history and current affairs. Her interests concern mainly the cultural, political and economic life of the 20th century. (PO / red)
