Simultas

"Simultas" is a multimedia opera in which music cohabits with other performing arts like acting, dance and videos."Simultas" narrates the coming to power of Taddeo Pepoli in the Middle Age Bologna (1337).

The City of Bologna was made to give up its democratic soul for several years, under Pepoli's thumb. Bologna's independent nature got her into trouble with the Church. For instance, the General Council of the people gave unconditional power to Taddeo Pepoli in 1337 and named him "Protector of the Peace and of Justice" of Bologna. He set up the first real "signoria" (a governing body) in the city's history and a direct threat to the Roman Catholic Church's hegemony.

Therefore, he had to deal immediately with two interdicts by Pope Benedict XII placed on the city and the university, for the city's presumptuous behavior. The interdicts would have threatened the economic and diplomatic position of Bologna.

Whether the Bolognesi liked it or not, they were still subjects of the church in Rome.

"Simultas" centers on women and men obsessions, their anxiety and greed for power, on death and its universal sway. By dint of multimedia languages, "Simultas" brings about ghosts steaming from the historic drama.

"Simultas" premiered at Teatro Comunale di Bologna (main Bologna Opera House), July 19th 2001.


Simultas



Multimedia opera in 15 frames Libretto, music and video images by Andrea Centazzo

"Simultas" is a multimedia opera in which music cohabits with other performing arts like acting, dance and videos."Simultas" narrates the coming to power of Taddeo Pepoli in the Middle Age Bologna (1337). The City of Bologna was made to give up its democratic soul for several years, under Pepoli's thumb. Bologna's independent nature got her into trouble with the Church. For instance, the General Council of the people gave unconditional power to Taddeo Pepoli in 1337 and named him "Protector of the Peace and of Justice" of Bologna. He set up the first real "signoria" (a governing body) in the city's history and a direct threat to the Roman Catholic Church's hegemony. Therefore, he had to deal immediately with two interdicts by Pope Benedict XII placed on the city and the university, for the city's presumptuous behavior. The interdicts would have threatened the economic and diplomatic position of Bologna. Whether the Bolognesi liked it or not, they were still subjects of the church in Rome. "Simultas" centers on women and men obsessions, their anxiety and greed for power, on death and its universal sway. By dint of multimedia languages, "Simultas" brings about ghosts steaming from the historic drama. "Simultas" premiered at Teatro Comunale di Bologna (main Bologna Opera House), July 19th 2001.



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