by InTrieste
Seventy years ago, the city of Trieste was the epicenter of a dramatic chapter in history, known as the “Events of ’53.” These events, marked by turmoil and bloodshed, are being commemorated with a series of artistic and educational events, culminating in a grand finale on Monday, May 27.
The Luigi Bon Foundation has spearheaded the initiative, aptly titled “I Was There! – Triestine Memories of ’53. Facts, Sounds, and Stories.” This project aims to honor the complex legacy of the eastern border conflicts with a blend of reflective and celebratory events.
The concluding event, “Hello Trieste! A Boogie-Woogie Called Italy,” is a swing show set to take place at Sala Luttazzi in Magazzino 26. Scheduled to start at 8:30 PM, the event is open to the public at no cost.
Produced by the Bon Foundation and conceptualized by Lumen Harmonicum, the performance brings together a vibrant ensemble of young musicians, singers, and actors. They will be accompanied by The 1000 Streets’ Orchestra, capturing the spirit and emotional landscape of the youth of 1953. These were the young men and women who, under the administration of the Allied Military Government, took to the streets demanding a new future for Trieste.
The narrative, written by Massimo Favento, transports the audience from present-day reflections to the heated days of the 1953 riots. The performance begins with a scene set at “Free Trieste Network,” a local station that has organized a talk-show dedicated to remembering those pivotal days. The young host, Edy Bevilacqua, portrayed by Giacomo Segulia, invites Ondina Covacich, an elderly woman who lived through the events, played by Michela Cembran, to share her experiences.
In a poignant twist, the host’s probing questions lead Ondina to challenge him to step into the shoes of a young British officer from 1953, one who might have issued the command to shoot at head height during the riots. This role reversal aims to convey the chaotic and desperate decisions faced during those tumultuous times.
Enhancing the historical ambiance, The 1000 Streets’ Orchestra will perform compositions by Guido Cergoli, a prominent Julian musician active in Trieste and Italy in the early 1950s. The music, integral to the performance, serves as a bridge to the past, invoking the era’s vibrant yet tense atmosphere.
Adding to the drama, the show’s vocalists transform on stage into characters Mariuccia and Brunetta, played by Elena Caineri and Eleonora Lana. These characters, two lively young Triestine women, find themselves vying for the attention of the now-embodied young British officer, personified by the host.
Through this innovative blend of historical reenactment and musical performance, the Luigi Bon Foundation not only commemorates the past but also breathes new life into the memories of those who lived through the “Events of ’53.” As the final notes of the swing era music fill the air, the audience is reminded of the enduring resilience and spirit of Trieste’s youth.
The show promises to be a fitting tribute, ensuring that the voices and stories of 1953 continue to resonate with new generations.
