by Penny | 20 Apr, 2013 | Comedy, Exhibitions, theatre
Helikos – the Comedy Spiral Yesterday in my favourite coffee bar I came upon a multi-national troupe of comedy players! They told me that they were students of comedy theatre – living and learning in Florence at an acting school called Helikos –...
by Penny | 13 Jan, 2013 | Lead story, News, Opera, Social History, theatre
St. Mark’s Italian Opera Academy presents MASTERCLASSES for SINGERS July 2nd-July 22nd 2013 Over the past five years nearly all of my visitors have been treated to operas and concerts at St Mark’s English Church on Via Maggio in Florence. This intimate...
by Penny | 9 Jan, 2013 | Dancing, Painting, Renaissance Art, Social History, theatre
Orlando furioso I first learnt about the poem Orlando Furiosoin Caroline P. Murphy’s excellent book Death of a Medici Princess. Wherein the unfortunate Medici Princess Isabella, daughter of Cosimo First Grand Duke of Tuscany – who remained in Florence...
by Penny | 11 Sep, 2012 | Social History, theatre, UK Activity
Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens were once the best place in London for those who wanted to party – rich and poor – from 1661 to 1859 everyone, – from the Prince of Wales, Samuel Pepys and Charles Dickens down to the servants below stairs would go to...
by Penny | 17 Jun, 2012 | Music, News, Opera, Photography, Renaissance Art, Social History, theatre
17.6.12 The Feast Day of St John the Baptist St John the Baptist has been the patron saint of Florence since medieval times and for his feast day there is always a full day of celebrations to awe the spectator – be they tourist or local. Starting with a Parade...
by Penny | 21 May, 2012 | Music, News, Opera, Renaissance Art, theatre
22.5.12 According to Google it takes 2 hrs 47 mins to get between Florence and Vincenza – but I wouldn’t calculate on that timetable when it is raining – even on a Sunday when there is limited traffic on the road! Vincenza is known as the home of...
