NEXION SPONSORS THE DARPANA ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS; FOR ARTIST RESIDENCY: A CULTURAL BRIDGE BETWEEN ITALY AND INDIA
by Suman Gupta
Nexion, the Indo-Italian company leading in the production of high-quality sintered stone, entered into a sponsorship agreement with the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad, India. This collaboration was proposed by Mallika Sarabhai, an influential figure in the city of Ahmedabad. Mallika established herself as an internationally renowned activist, prestigious actress, and celebrated dancer in Indian classical dance.
This year, Mallika Sarabhai and Nexion decided to form a three-year partnership to sponsor an artist residency at the Darpana Academy. Thanks to Nexion, India hosted Massimiliano Troiani, a renowned Italian director and son of a master in cinematographic photography, already known worldwide for his work in documentary and theatre, and Laura Fasciolo, a renowned Italian set designer with years of experience in theatrical and museum exhibitions related to iconography and bibliography. Massimiliano staged a reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, incorporating both Italian and Indian cultural elements. The show, which featured Mallika in a leading role, premiered at the 44th Vikram Sarabhai International Arts Festival of Natarani, Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, and will be going on tour.
Luca Majocchi, CEO, Nexion, stated, “Since its inception, we have brought the Italian way of doing business to India. With our commitment to societal contribution, we seamlessly align with Darpana Academy, celebrated for its rich legacy in promoting art and culture. Massimiliano’s participation in the residency further underscores our shared dedication and efforts. This commitment extends to our core values, where we prioritize people’s well-being through the consistent delivery of high-quality products. Our holistic approach interweaves cultural exchange and community well-being, creating a meaningful connection between our values and endeavors.”
Mallika Sarabhai, Founder, Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, expressed her joy in the collaboration, stating, “Working on Macbeth with Massimiliano was a delightful experience. His diverse background as a theatre director, film maker, and puppeteer aligns well with the varied artistic fields at Darpana. The synergy between our culture and artistic approach allowed for the emergence of new and exciting elements during the collaboration.
The goal of the production was to create a cultural bridge between Italy and India, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of both nations. The collaboration not only celebrated art and creativity but also contributed to strengthening ties between local and international communities, promoting cultural exchange, mutual learning, and the well-being of the community.
Here, in the heart of this city, Ahmedabad, not only products and projects come to life but also human connections that transcend geographical boundaries.
