Andy Warhol And The Last Supper – From Friday 1
Shortly before his death in 1987, Andy Warhol completed a series inspired by Da Vinci’s Last Supper that combined the great Renaissance master’s vision and perspective with Warhol’s distinctive commercial style and humor. The series represents the largest opus of religious art ever taken on by the famous American pop artist, with silkscreens, paintings, and drawings on paper, totaling over 100 variations. On occasion of both the 25th anniversary of the inauguration of the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh and the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo, the Vatican Museums are hosting an exhibit that shines a light on these fascinating works that rarely go on loan. The exhibit is on display in the Vatican’s Braccio di Carlo Magno, just off St. Peter’s Basilica, and will later continue on to Pittsburgh.
Ute Lemper – Monday 4
Today Ute Lemper is a household name, famous worldwide for her interpretations of cabaret music and starring roles in musical theater productions. But 30 years ago, when she was just starting her career, she was likened to her superstar compatriot, Marlene Dietrich, a fact that caused her no little amount of intimidation. Lemper is now presenting a new show based on the legendary femme fatale, in which she tells the story of the great Marlene’s life and career through the songs that marked the various chapters of her life, from the cabaret years to her collaborations with Burt Bacharach. The program features works by Jacques Brel, Cole Porter, Charles Trenet, Bob Dylan, and many more. Auditorium PDM.
Chinese New Year Parade – Tuesday 5
Welcome, Year of the Pig! The Chinese New Year kicks off this month and Rome’s vibrant Chinese community celebrates with a parade in Piazza del Popolo, a performance of traditional Chinese opera, and folklore exhibits. People born in the year of the pig are said to be happy, easygoing, honest, trusting, sincere, and brave all qualities that bode well for the New Year. If you can’t make the parade, head to Rome’s unofficial Chinatown, the area in and around Piazza Vittorio, for some authentic Asian cuisine—and be sure to wear red, the Chinese color of luck.
Momix – From Wednesday 20
One of the world’s most imaginative choreographers working today brings the beloved tale of Alice in Wonderland to
life in new and marvelous ways as part of Rome’s International Dance Festival. Moses Pendleton and his now-legendary dance troupe Momix interpret Lewis Carroll’s timeless story with charisma, originality, and the ingenious dance-acrobatics that the company’s dancers have become famous for. Join the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, and the entire cast of whimsical characters and enter a world where anything is possible. The brand-new performance is a production of the Roman Philharmonic Academy and has its world premiere at Rome’s Teatro Olimpico before going on tour around the country.
Quartetto Guadagnini – Sunday 24 and Thursday 28
Get ready for all Mozart quartets, all the time, with this two-date performance by the Quartetto Guadagnini. The Roman Philharmonic Academy welcomes this award-winning chamber music ensemble, made up of Fabrizio Zoffoli and Cristina Papini on violin, Matteo Rocchi on viola, and Alessandra Cefaliello on cello, for a program that includes Mozart string quartets nos. 15, 19, 20, and 23 in their entirety, as well as excerpts from three others. Sandro Cappelletto narrates in Italian to add context to the works. See them perform at Teatro Argentina, one of the most beautiful and intimate performance venues in the city.
We Will Rock You – From Wednesday 27
The greatest hits of inimitable rock band Queen have inspired the entertaining musical that has taken the world by storm
since its premiere in the West End in 2002. We Will Rock You uses Queen’s immortal songs to tell a completely original story about a time in the distant future where creativity is discouraged, free thought is stifled, and all music is banned. Catch the Italian version of the show (all songs are performed in the original language) at Teatro Brancaccio.
