Let's face it: Rome is a bit of a
backwater for the
performing
arts . Northern Italy is where
creativity in theatre and dance -
and, of course, opera -
flourishes, and very few
international performers of renown
in any of the arts regularly put
in an appearance here.
Nevertheless, there is cultural
entertainment available, and the
quality is sometimes better than
you might expect. In any case,
what the arts here may lack in
professionalism, they often make
up for in the charm of the
setting. Rome's
summer festival
, for example, organized by
"Estate Romana", means
that there's a good range of
classical music, opera, theatre
and cinema running throughout the
warm months, often in picturesque
locations - amidst ancient ruins
with soaring columns, or perched
on hills with brilliant panoramas
of Rome by night - although
obviously some of what's on is of
little interest if you don't speak
Italian. During the winter season,
you'll find a regular programme of
classical music at the
Accademia Santa Cecilia, and other
sporadic musical offerings of
mixed quality, sometimes in
beautiful churches or palatial
halls, and on occasions free.
Opera
is well established in Rome and on
occasion approaches world-class
levels, but not often enough. Good
dance is a rarity in Rome,
although international companies
do show up from time to time,
usually at the Teatro Olimpico and
the Teatro Argentina. Finally,
cinema
-lovers will find an increasing
number of films in the original
language, as Italy gradually
breaks away from its nationalistic
dubbing mania.
For current information
about what's on where in English,
consult the English section at the
back of Romac'่ (L2000,
Thursdays) or Wanted in Rome
, the English language bi-weekly
(every other Wednesday), which you
can pick up at almost any
newsstand in the centre.
Otherwise, in Italian, Time Out
Roma (L4500, Thursdays) is
your best bet. There's also the
" Trova Roma "
insert in La Repubblica 's
Thursday edition.
