Our events listing keeps you up-to-date on the latest and greatest in culture, music and other English-friendly entertainment. This is a selection of the best of them.
EMMY/Invisible Women
June 25, 7pm
Odeon Cinema, piazza Strozzi, Florence
The Emmy-winning documentary Invisible Women, based on Jane Fortune’s book published by TF Press, is having its Italian premiere at Florence’s Odeon Cinema. Share a glass of bubbly to toast the celebration; profits from the evening go to the Advancing Women Artists Foundation, which is dedicated to restoring and exhibiting art by women in Florence. This is a one-off event not to be missed. See page 19 for details, www.odeonfirenze.com for the Odeon website, and http://tinyurl.com/bvrxw8z to watch the trailer.
CELEB/Jeremy Irons
June 12, 3pm
Palazzo Tornabuoni, via de’ Tornabuoni 16, Florence
Spot a celebrity in Florence! English actor famed for Brideshead Revisited, Lolita and The Lion King will be reading together with Italian actress Laura Morante during an afternoon focused on Machiavelli as part of the Festival of Writers. See www.premiovonrezzori.org for details. Later that day, Irons will attend the Italian premiere of his new film, Trashed, at the Odeon at 8pm (www.odeonfirenze.com).
MUSIC/MTV Awards
June 15, 9pm
Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence
As part of the awards event, an impressive line-up of Italian music stars will perform in piazzale Michelangelo, including Sanremo winners Marco Mengoni and Emma, rappers Fedez and Club Dogo as well as Gianna Nannini and Max Pezzali. The evening will be screened live on MTV (DTT8) from 9pm, during which the winners of 16 categories, which range from Wonder Woman to Best Fanbase, will be announced. In piazza Santa Maria Novella, music, entertainment, BBQs and more will be part of the festivities in the days leading up to the awards (June 12–15). See http://mtvawards.mtv.it for info and to vote for your favourite star.
VIEW/Terrazza con vista
Until September 30
Various rooftops in Florence
Could there be anything more idyllic than sipping a cocktail while admiring the view over the roofs of Florence? Numerous panoramic rooftops in Florence will be open to the public for an aperitivo, dinner or simply to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the view. There is also a photography competition, including an Instagram section. See www.firenzeturismo.it for details and a list of rooftops.
TRADITION/Calcio Storico
Preliminary matches on June 15 and 16; finals June 24
Piazza Santa Croce, Florence
Testosterone will run high as the four quarters of Florence battle it out on a pitch constructed in piazza Santa Croce. A historic game with few rules, this sport bears little resemblance to football, and indeed the medieval-costume clad players will punch, kick and wrestle to not only score goals but also to eliminate members of the opposing team (see TF 165 and 145). Visit www.calciostoricofiorentino.it for details.
LIGHTS/Luminara Pisa
June 16 at dusk
Along the river in Pisa
Over 70,000 oil lamps and candles will light up Pisa’s Arno river on the feast day of the city’s patron saint (San Ranieri), floating along the water and illuminating bridges, doors and windows. The magical evening will also be lit up by fireworks; see www.pisaunicaterra.it for more.
FASHION/Pitti Uomo 84
June 18–21
Fortezza da Basso and other places in Florence
Florence once again becomes the world’s capital of fashion, with big names and big designs coming to the Fortezza. With previews of new collections, fashion shows, concerts and conferences, Florence is the place to see the best and latest in contemporary menswear during Pitti Uomo. Pitti W, the international preview of women’s clothing, is also at the Fortezza for the first time this year. The list of attending guests reads like a Who’s Who of the fashion world, but as most events (and all those at the Fortezza) are closed to the public, you may have to hang out at Florence’s fashion hot spots to catch a glimpse of them. The off-site events include a pop-contemporary kaleidoscopic Italian Garden in piazza Strozzi, constructed using 2,500 colourful Palla Pitchers made by Mario Luca Giusti (June 17-July 7) and an exhibit entitled L’Incredibile Raccolto in piazza Santa Maria Novella (June 18-22), displaying linen creations and designs. See www.pittimmagine.com for more.
NYU/The Season
June 17–July 5
Villa La Pietra and other locations in Florence
An annual summer celebration of creativity involving artists, writers, musicians, poets and actors in the beautiful grounds of Villa La Pietra, home to New York University in Florence. Highlights include a jazz concert in the Limonaia, a performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the grotto and readings from international poets and novelists. See http://tinyurl.com/ptoywtk for the full programme and to sign up for events.
PHOTO/Viaggio intorno all’Uomo
June 15–November 3
Museum complex of Santa Maria della Scala, Siena
More than 200 works by Steve McCurry, American photojournalist best known for his photograph ‘Afghan Girl,’ which first appeared in National Geographic. A witness and interpreter of events around the globe, McCurry’s photographs take the viewer on a multifaceted journey through the magic, beauty, horror and love of humanity. See www.santamaria.comune.siena.it.
