APCOM

Eight shows on-stage over a two-week vibrant programming at the Libero Theatre to encourage the discussion on the issue of diversity. This is, in few words, 'Liberi Amori Possibili' ('Free Possible Loves'), the theatre exhibition dedicated to the "other" which aims to offer an unusual approach to plays that analyse the tensions, the emotional implications and the homosexual condition in the light of the most recent scenic and literary models.

On May 2nd it was Claire Dowie's 'Sempre così carine', directed by Giancarlo Nanni and enacted by Alessandra Roca and Sabrina Venezia (who is also the translator of the original script), the opening show of the event, which has been set up by Corrado d'Elia and Francesco Di Rienzo - respectively artistic and organizational directors of Libero Theatre - in cooperation with the main homosexual associations, such as Milano's Arcigay.

This second edition, unlike last year's, got the city council's patronage. However, in order to overcome his more conservative colleagues' opposition, the councillor for Culture Vittorio Sgarbi and Libero Theatre agreed to change the exhibition's title, which previously included the word 'homosexual' and made it 'above suspicion'. "A civil administration should allow a homosexual exhibition" explains Sgarbi "But after the past negative experiences I knew that also this event would have been the reason of strife."

The solution has instigated harsh polemics in the political environment and strong reactions in the homosexual one too. "It's a shame that we need a fake patronage" says Paolo Ferigo, president of Milanese Arcigay "It's ridiculous, because the patronage is not a small mark on a manifesto, it is a real acknowledgment of something that deserves to be done."