With a city full of rich Italian-American culture and history, we’re excited to host two fantastic projects, free and open to the public on Sunday, October 16th as part of the 3rd Annual Ciao Philadelphia, the Italian Cultural Month with diverse programming running through October with events in Philadelphia and throughout the region. Renowned Italian director and actor, Massimiliano Finazzer Flory's latest project, Being Leonardo da Vinci, will have its Philadelphia premiere in the URBN Black Box Theater at 7:30pm. This one-act play is performed in Italian (with English subtitles) and uses theater to stage the Italian genius' life of art and science. As a prologue, the audience will be introduced to Leonardo's art by a performance of contemporary dance choreographed by Michella Lucenti. With a harmonic connection between space and gesture, two dancers will perform an intense and technical ballet inspired by da Vinci's Vitruvian Man. Prior to Being Leondardo da Vinci, at 5:30pm, an exhibition entitled The Laundry Project / Panni Sites will open in the URBN Center’s Lobby featuring an installation by Art History Professor Pia Brancaccio and works by Photography Professor Stuart Rome, Art Professor Blaise Tobia and artist Stefani Zamparelli. The Laundry Project / Panni Sites is an immersive installation recreating the lively atmosphere of a Neapolitan vicolo, or alley, accompanied by photography of the vibrant city of Naples.

These Ciao Philadelphia events are being presented in partnership with the College of Arts & Sciences Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages and Drexel’s Office of International Programs.Ciao Philadelphia is an engaging partnership with the most prominent cultural institutions of the region and various components of the Italian American community. Every landmark institution of the region with an Italian influence as well as all major universities are included. Ciao Philadelphia is a way to appreciate the Italian Cultural Heritage and connect the region with contemporary Italy, opening doors for even more economic and academic exchanges. The extensive media coverage received in Italy thorough Ciao Philadelphia helps to promote awareness about new opportunities in and with the Greater Philadelphia region.