Tour/conversation in Italian with Bianca Bonino
DESCRIPTION:
The tour starts at the ‘Porcellino’ statue in front of Sydney Hospital. The statue was dedicated to the memory of doctors Thomas and Piero Fiaschi (father and son). There is much to tell about this monument and the professional commitment lent by the two Italian physicians.
Second stop: Arthur Phillip Memorial at the Royal Botanic Garden. Who knew the sculptor commissioned to create a memorial to the first governor of NSW was Italian? His name was Achille Simonetti. The troubled history of this monument is reflected in its stylistic inconsistency attributable to political interference.
Aurora Place is the third stop on the walk. Inaugurated in 2000, this building was designed by architect Renzo Piano for a location rich in history. Once home to Sydney’s first public library, then home to government offices, it now houses one of the city’s most elegant skyscrapers.
From Renzo Piano the participants will proceed to Australia Square, a building of exceptional architectural value created by the genius of two eminent figures in their respective fields: architect Harry Seidler and Italian engineer Pier Luigi Nervi.
A few steps away, another brief dip into the past, as the tour arrives at Sydney’s General Post Office (1874). Here, too, the creativity and talent of an Italian immigrant, sculptor Tomaso Sani, gave life to an excellent artistic work which however, at the time, raised quite a lot of controversy.
Another positive example of the Italian/Australian collaboration between Pier Luigi Nervi and Harry Seidler can be found in the MLC Tower, another masterpiece of modern architecture.
The tour will finish in the courtyard of Sydney Hospital. Here the participants will be able to continue the conversation over espresso or cappuccino at the Courtyards Cafe da Capo. The “Italian” style space will give us the pleasant impression of being in an Italian square.
THE GUIDE:
Bianca Bonino is an actress, stage director, Commedia dell’Arte trainer, tour guide and, occasionally, event producer. In 2006 she discovered an interest in Commedia dell’Arte, the traditional Italian theatrical comedy based on the use of masks, and ever since she has supervised and directed all the productions of the theatre group she founded called Fools In Progress Theatre Co. Bianca collaborates regularly with Sydney-based cultural associations such as the Dante Alighieri Society and FILEF, producing poetry readings in Italian and cultural events. A few years ago she took up a new challenge accepting her first assignment as a tour guide. Ever since her passion for this profession, that has so many similarities with acting, grew exponentially to the point that it has now become her main occupation.
The maximum number of participants is 15.
COST: $15
Booking essential: www.eventbrite.com.au