On the evening of her birthday, 16th August, Madonna visited Pompeii, the ancient archaeological site buried in 79AD. There she met with a group of local teenagers involved in the ‘Sogno di Volare’ (‘I Dream of Flying’) project, and subsequently donated to the project.
This ambitious initiative, organised by the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, aims to engage the local community – particularly young people – in the cultural life of the UNESCO site.
The ‘Sogno di Volare’ project offers local youth the opportunity to participate in a creative journey that culminates in the performance of a classical play in Pompeii’s ancient theatre. During her visit, Madonna announced that she would be funding the entire next season of the project through her ‘Ray of Light’ foundation. This marks the fourth season of the initiative, which has become a vital part of the cultural landscape in Pompeii.
“‘Sogno di Volare’, the project so generously supported by Madonna, is strategic for Pompeii,” said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. “It speaks directly to the local people who live in this wonderful and complex area, especially young people, and makes them protagonists of an experience that will show them that art and culture can truly transform our lives.”
Pompeii thanks Madonna for her support
Madonna’s visit, which began as a simple evening tour, evolved into a deeper partnership that highlights the ongoing commitment to preserving the heritage of Pompeii and fostering a strong cultural community.
After touring the House of Menander and the House of the Ceii, famous for its garden fresco depicting a dramatic animal hunt, Madonna enjoyed a short theatrical performance by the young participants of ‘Sogno di Volare’ in the ancient city’s theatre.
Zuchtriegel expressed his gratitude for Madonna’s support, saying, “I would never have imagined when we started in 2021 amidst a thousand setbacks that we would have come this far, but evidently dreaming of flying really works. I sincerely thank Madonna for her generosity, vision, and humanity, which will be a great source of inspiration for us on our journey ahead.”
The “Sogno di Volare” project
Over the past three years, around three hundred teenagers and children from the Vesuvian area, an area with high risks of school dropout, unemployment, and youth emigration, have participated in ‘Sogno di Volare.’ These young people have contributed as actors, musicians, and scriptwriters in a series of performances, including adaptations of Aristophanes’ plays like ‘The Birds,’ ‘Acarnesi: Stop the War,’ and ‘Pluto: God of Gold.’
The project, conceived by Zuchtriegel and directed by Marco Martinelli with music by Ambrogio Sparagna and costumes by Roberta Mattera, has brought together young people from Pompeii and surrounding areas, taking them on an artistic journey that has extended beyond Campania. Following their premieres in Pompeii’s theatre, the troupe has performed in Bologna and Ravenna and is set to take the stage in Vicenza this autumn.
As Zuchtriegel noted, “From Madonna, the gift of wings for ‘Sogno di Volare’ and for all the young people who participate—a beautiful present given to us on her birthday. You are all invited to the show we will produce thanks to her generous donation, which will be performed in the ancient theatre of Pompeii in May 2025.”
