The ICBIE took an active part in the various activities at the UFBA (Federal University of the State of Bahia) marking the 10th Annual Italian Language in the World Week; last Tuesday, October 26th, President Pietro Gallina intervened, speaking of the cultural activities of the ICBIE in the Cidade baixa, while Professor Marlene spoke on the subject of Italian teaching in Salvador, and our student and collaborator Meg showed off her excellent skills of reading in Italian. Another important event was the conference of the writer Fabio Stassi, “The Saved Languages and the Geographies of Blood,” which took place last Thursday, in the presence of Pietro, Marcella, Ivanildo and Marlene, accompanied by two new Italian students, Maurissio and Katia. The conference was animated, and Fabio, in particular, enlivened the evening with his spontaneous enthusiasm for literature, for Brazil and especially for Bahia.
And finally Saturday’s event at the ICBIE to say goodbye to Fabio, upon his return to Italy, was a great and delightful party with Brazilian and Italian music. There was also time, before the official start of the party, for a class of therapeutic dance held by our ballerina and therapist friend Marcella Bomba, at which the kids of the Little Theater Company of the ICBIE had a great time.
The writer Fabio Stassi was able to amply show off his ability, beyond that of writing, as a musician, playing the guitar together with Brazilian musicians Maurissio (bandolim), Antonio (voice and guitar) and Mila (pandeiro). The atmosphere heated up when our Marlene took the microphone to entertain us by singing classics of Brazilian music, in Italian and in Portuguese. Other musicians played, too: the very young Ruan (from Carlo Loria’s family), Carlo and Daniele, the son of Stefano Barbi Cinti. Naturally there were many representatives of the Italian community in Salvador and many friends, students and supporters of the ICBIE, who enjoyed the great cocktail bar (generously offered by one of the primary creator/organizers of the week, the UFBA lecturer Raoul Poleggi) with excellent wine and a very appropriate caipirinha! The party went on, involving everyone present with dancing, not just the regular Brazilian way, but also the popular ethnic “pizzica pizzica” from the Salento!
Lastly we hope that our new friend, the delightful writer-musician Fabio Stasi had a good time and that he can come back soon to visit us in Salvador: Volte sempre, Fabio!
MARCELLA
