logo
Play to follow Giovanni Pascoli and Robert Burns in afterlife

Play to follow Giovanni Pascoli and Robert Burns in afterlife

Glasgow Times27-04-2025

A new production, The Badly Behaved Poet Society, has answered that unlikely question.
(Image: Image of Robert Burns) Written by Hilda De Felice and starring Lorenzo Novani and Mark Coleman - the play follows Giovanni Placido Agostino Pascoli (played by Coleman) as he arrives in the afterlife and is intercepted by Robert Burns (Played by Novani).
Burns gives Pascoli the offer of either staying where they are and writing poetry forever, or going through a nearby door where they could end up in heaven, purgatory or even hell.
(Image: Image of Lorenzo by Heather Longwell) (Image: Mark Coleman headshot) Speaking on the production - which was inspired by Dante's Inferno - Lorenzo told the Glasgow Times: "The play is so fun and we are really enjoying rehearsing it.
"The beauty of it is the different personalities and poetry styles of both Burns and Pascoli. It makes for conflict and humour. It's quirky."
The idea for the play came after Lorenzo was invited to Barga in Tuscany, Italy last year.
Lorenzo joins the list of Scottish-Italian celebrities like Paolo Nutini and Lewis Capaldi, who have roots in Barga.
He said: "Barga has a Scottish festival every year to celebrate the relationship and connection of the two places."
(Image: Image supplied) Lorenzo went on to say that when at the festival last year, he met the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, who was on a visiting delegation.
The Lord Provost mentioned to Lorenzo that a symbolic way to commemorate the connections between the country and Italian town could be to do a play about Burns and Pascoli.
It comes after the Lord Provost welcomed Mayor Campari of Barga to Glasgow in 2023, where a new friendship agreement was discussed.
Mayor Campari is set to return to Glasgow this year for the city's 850th birthday celebrations.
(Image: Image of Lord Provost) The Lord Provost said: "Both Burns and Pascoli are renowned national figures in their respective literary movements that continue to inspire and resonate with people, both in their native countries, and around the world.
"I am excited to see how Lorenzo and Hilda have entwined the poets lives and work to celebrate this legacy and the coming together of our cultures, in a modern context."
The sold-out play will take place at the City Chambers on May 6.
"I'm so delighted it sold out," Lorenzo said.
He added: "Selling a show out is always an afterthought because the first thing is just to write it. But, this sold out in 48 hours."
Lorenzo is looking at putting on a few shows of the production in September.
For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/a-night-with-burns-and-pascoli-tickets-1298467785099?msockid=3195918e9ae56de30ccb822c9bb16cb9

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Scots Language Awards officially launched for 2025
Scots Language Awards officially launched for 2025

The National

time3 hours ago

  • The National

Scots Language Awards officially launched for 2025

The Scots Language Awards — organised by Hands Up For Trad, a group that promotes traditional Scottish music in the mainstream media — was launched for 2025 on Thursday and will take place in Cumnock Town Hall, Ayrshire, again on 13 September. The annual ceremony aims to recognise figures and organisations that encourage use of the Scots language in wider society, and categories will include business, literature, community work and more. READ MORE: Home and half an island owned by famous Scottish shark hunter up for sale Simon Thoumire, Scots Language Award organiser and Hands Up For Trad creative director, said: "The Scots leid is gaun fae strength tae strength, and we're thrilled tae see the Scots Language Awards return tae Ayrshire, hame tae sic a rich cultural heritage. 'This event isn't jist a celebration o the wunnerfu talents in Scots music, literature, an community endeavors, but a recognition o the leid's vital role in oor Scottish identity. 'We can't wait tae bring the Scots language community thegither again, and wi' new initiatives lik the Scots Hoose school sessions, we're ensuring the next generation can share in the pride an passion for oor mither tongue. It's set tae be a nicht tae remember, an we cannae wait!' The launch coincides with 'Gies a Scots Poem Day' 2025, an initiative created by the Scottish Poetry Library, which aims to promote Scots language poetry in all of its forms, including Doric, Shetlandic and Dundonian. READ MORE: Deacon Blue issue update as bandmate 'seriously ill' in hospital East Ayrshire Provost, Claire Leitch, said: 'I'm awfa chuffed that the Scots Language Award will return tae East Ayrshire this year. I'm looking forward to gaun along, celebrating the talented performers and aw the folk fae across Scotland who are dedicated who are encouraging us to use oor 'mither tongue'! It's gonnae be another stoater o a nicht! 'For me, there's nuhun more important than staying true to who we aw ur, and encouraging oor communities and weans to use and celebrate the Scots language. 'Definitely get yersel a ticket quick. As Jack fae Still Game says - "He who hingeth aboot getteth heehaw!' Hands Up For Trad are also partnering with learning resource Scots Hoose to deliver Scots language lessons in schools across the country. A range of musicians and poets will perform at the ceremony this year, including Edinburgh Scots singer Amy Leach and local Burns purveyor Wullie Dick. Scots Language Awards nominations will be open from July 28 until August 10, with voting for shortlisted nominees taking place from August 25 until September 7. Further information regarding ticketing will be available on the event's website soon.

You can eat a tasting menu right on the NASCAR Chicago race track this summer
You can eat a tasting menu right on the NASCAR Chicago race track this summer

Time Out

time5 hours ago

  • Time Out

You can eat a tasting menu right on the NASCAR Chicago race track this summer

What's more thrilling than a high-speed NASCAR race? How about carb-loading right where the cars take off? This summer, Chicago Gourmet is rolling out one of its most daring (and delicious) experiences yet: a five-course Italian tasting menu served smack on the NASCAR Chicago Street Race track. On Wednesday, July 2, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the race's start/finish line will transform into the city's most unexpected fine-dining venue, blending Michelin-caliber cuisine with pit-lane vibes. As part of the Chicago Gourmet Festival's new 'Culinary World Series,' the event marks a high-octane kickoff to the city's biggest food celebration and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to toast with wine where tires usually burn rubber. The chef lineup is stacked with Chicago stars, including Fabio Viviani (Siena Tavern, Bar Siena), Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno), Joe Frillman and Leigh Omilinsky (Daisies) and Steve Maak (Levy Restaurants). The night's theme: bold Italian flavors, dished out trackside with flair. Diners can expect signature race-day cocktails from Jose Cuervo (the official tequila of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, naturally) and a "Cup Series" of wine pairings from legendary Italian winery Marchesi Antinori. There's even an emcee—culinary personality, Catherine De Orio—to steer the evening along. Tickets cost $250 per person, and proceeds benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports the state's hospitality workforce. This isn't Chicago Gourmet's only sports-forward event this year. Friday, July 25, brings a Duck Dog face-off at the Crosstown Classic, and Wednesday, August 20 features led by chefs from Virtue.

Popular TikTok star Khaby Lame leaves the US after being detained by ICE
Popular TikTok star Khaby Lame leaves the US after being detained by ICE

Leader Live

time7 hours ago

  • Leader Live

Popular TikTok star Khaby Lame leaves the US after being detained by ICE

The Senegalese-Italian influencer, whose legal name is Seringe Khabane Lame, was detained on Friday at Harry Reid International Airport – but was allowed to leave the country without a deportation order, a spokesperson for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed in a statement. Lame arrived in the US on April 30 and 'overstayed the terms of his visa', the ICE spokesperson said. The Associated Press sent a message seeking comment on Tuesday to the email address listed on Lame's Instagram account. He has not publicly commented on his detainment. His detainment and voluntary departure from the US comes amid President Donald Trump's escalating crackdown on immigration, including raids in Los Angeles that sparked days of protests against ICE, as the president tests the bounds of his executive authority. A voluntary departure — which was granted to Lame — allows those facing removal from the US to avoid a deportation order on their immigration record, which could prevent them from being allowed back into the US for up to a decade. The 25-year-old rose to international fame during the pandemic without ever saying a word in his videos, which would show him reacting to absurdly complicated 'life hacks'. He has more than 162 million followers on TikTok alone. The Senegal-born influencer moved to Italy when he was an infant with his working class parents and has Italian citizenship. His internet fame quickly evolved. He signed a multiyear partnership with designer brand Hugo Boss in 2022. In January, he was appointed as a Unicef goodwill ambassador. Last month, he attended the Met Gala in New York City, days after arriving in the US.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store