Muti writes to Conte. Conte responds to Muti. It is not a confrontation but a question and answer to save the culture. Despite the daily increase in infections and the increasingly accelerated running of the pandemic. On the one hand Riccardo Muti who writes an open letter to the premier published in the Corriere della Sera. "I ask her, sure of interpreting the thought not only of the artists but also of a large part of the public, of giving new life to theatrical and musical activities for that need for spiritual food without which society is brutalized ".
On the other Giuseppe Conte who, again in the Corriere, replies: "We are forced to make these further sacrifices. But we do not intend to give up beauty, culture, music, art, cinema, theater at all. We need the nourishment that we derive from these activities and the dream capacity they arouse in us. We intend to return as soon as possible to enjoy these emotions in company, sharing the silent harmony that is established in the presence of a neighbor, even if he is unknown. Our spiritual dimension could not survive without this experience. It is with this spirit, dear Master, that we have taken on the responsibility of making such painful choices ”. Two heartfelt appeals and in some ways overlapping, albeit on two different sides.
It is a health, social and also cultural emergency
It is indubitable that the world of culture is one of those that in our country is paying the highest price to the pandemic. 360-degree culture. Starting with school education which in these days sees the closure of an increasing number of institutes of all types and levels. And culture also begins with school. But culture also means theaters, music, occasions such as conferences, exhibitions, book presentations and moments of study on the most varied topics. Culture is meeting and exchange of ideas which, last resort, can also be done remotely but which find their truest and deepest essence in presence. Of all this, for now, almost nothing can be done in presence.
In his appeal Riccardo Muti he writes that he understands the difficult responsibility of the Prime Minister, his "urgent need to safeguard the health, the supreme good, of our fellow citizens ". Ma “Closing concert halls and theaters is a serious decision. The impoverishment of the mind and spirit is dangerous and also harms the health of the body ". E then there are show business workers, economic difficulties and worries about their future. "Such a decision - adds - does not take into consideration the sacrifices, sufferings and responsibilities in front of the civil society of thousands of Artists and Workers from all the various sectors of the show, who certainly today feel offended in their professional dignity and full of apprehension for the future of their life".
After the lockdown last spring, theaters and others have taken all possible measures to remain open to the public in safe conditions. Because, Riccardo Muti concludes, "The theaters are run by people who are aware of the anti Covid regulations. The safety measures indicated and recommended have always been respected. I hope you can accept this appeal ”. "Your reflections touch me deeply - replies Giuseppe Conte - ... You are right: the decision to close concert halls and theaters is objectively "serious". Concerts, theatrical performances are food for the spirit, food for the soulto ".
Closed theaters to avoid crowds and reduce personal contacts
It is a decision that we have not taken lightly, adds the premier, aware of the difficulties that entertainment workers have been experiencing for many months now. Because of this " I signed my document only when we were sure ... to be able to approve ... a decree-law that will allow economic operators and workers affected by the new rules to provide immediate refreshments and support measures ". As was imaginable, the decision to stop this, like other sectors, came to stem the opportunities for socializing. The feared gatherings, "aggregations of people, which generate, especially in the evening hours, influxes on public transport and multiply the opportunities for contagion ... The reduction of social occasions and moments of aggregation also entails a drastic reduction in the number of personal contacts ".
When will the theater lights turn on again? The answer is not there yet, but Conte assures us that "With Minister Franceschini we are already working to get microphones, spotlights, projectors back on as soon as possible, and to ensure the conditions for an effective relaunch of all entertainment activities, trusting in everyone's commitment, energy and intelligence" .
