dcome back tonight Rai History (at 9.10 pm) The sign of women, third season. protagonists, six exemplary women of the twentieth century who, thanks to their talent, have distinguished themselves by making a fundamental contribution to Italian culture and society: Piera Degli Esposti, Luisa Spagnoli, Topazia Alliata, Letizia Battaglia, Sibilla Aleramo and Teresa Mattei. In “life” thanks to the interpretation of as many actresses interviewed by Angela Rafanelli. Leading the program for the first time.
The sign of women: face to face with history
Human and professional affairs of these undisputed protagonists of history are told in two acts. Representatives of two ages, two emblematic moments or two key themes of their lives. The narrative, dynamic and modern, is made realistic thanks to six actresses – transformed through makeup and costumes in these extraordinary women.
Leading the encounter with these figures from the past is Angela Rafanelli, which starts a conversation with them capable of bringing out the history, personality and character of each one. You are brave and tenacious excellencies, who have struggled to leave a mark in art, cinema, fashion, politics, in literature and business.
Six journeys in the sign of women
In the first episode Michelle Cescon impersonate Piera degli Esposti. She extraordinary actress, died on August 14, 2021, she collaborated with immense artists, we remember three: Pier Paolo Pasolini, Paolo Sorrentino and Marco Bellocchio. In the next episode she is instead Elizabeth Pellini to wear the clothes of Allied Topazpainter and gallery owner, enterprising and creative woman, guided by the ideal of freedom and mother of the writer Dacia Maraini.
Angela Rafanelli interviews Piera Degli Esposti (Michela Cescon). (Rai)
In the third appointment with The sign of women Valentina D’Agostino becomes the eclectic and rebellious photojournalist Letizia Battaglia. Also appreciated internationally, it has entered history for having been the first European woman to receive the Eugene Smith Awardin New York. Rosa Palasciano and instead Sybil Aleramothe first writer in Italy to denouncethrough his novel A womanthe role of ladies in society at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Euridice Axen is Luisa Spagnoli. (Rai)
Elena Lietti he then gives the face to politics and pedagogist Teresa Mattei, who fought for the rights of the Constitution and of childhood. Finally, the last episode tells the story of the entrepreneur Luisa Spagnolithe creator of Bacio Perugina and the chain of clothing stores that bears her name. And it does so through the voice and face of the actress Euridice Axen.
Between fiction and documentary
The sign of women it is an original format which combines the narration of fiction with a careful documentary investigation. The interviews are in fact carried out staging words actually used by the protagonistscarefully selected and historically verified, thanks to the use of direct sources such as letters, diaries, interviews with journalists and public speechesbrought to light by the authors with the advice of historian Silvia Salvatici.
To enrich the story are above all unedited images and archival footage. Without forgetting the presence of numerous illustrious witnesses such as family members and friends of the protagonists, including the daughters of Topazia Alliata, Dacia and Toni Maraini, and Marilù Balsamo, historic friend of Letizia Battaglia. Among the other testimonies also that of the politician Livia Turco.
Then there are the contributions of Achille Bonito Oliva, by the essayist Mirella Serri, by the professor of Italian literature and women’s and gender studies Maria Serena Sapegno, by the director Riccardo Milani, by the journalist Attilio Bolzoni, by the fashion historian and teacher Sofia Gnoli. And finally of Nicoletta Spagnoligranddaughter of Luisa Spagnoli, of the professor of contemporary history and gender history Patrizia Gabrielli and of the head of the Perugina historical museum Maria Cristina Mencaroni.
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