17/01/2021
Staff myRecanati
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The Character

In the past few years people from Recanati and tourists has often seen, walking through the alleys of the old town, an old-fashioned figure, with his austere, impeccably fitting clothing of a nineteenth-century character. He is Paolo Magagnini, the actor who, with passion and unanimous appreciation, plays this role in the dramatized "Infinito Experience".

Paolo, tell us something about yourself...

Talking about myself I would like to begin by paraphrasing in some way, the words I pronounce at the beginning of my Tour, Infinito Experience: "I was born on March 17, 1955 in the district of Montemorello, just 20 meters far from Casa Leopardi: the paternal hostel of Giacomo". So I knew him, I entered his private rooms as an altar boy, accompanying the priest Don Ettore during the Easter blessings of homes, a long time before the fateful school years. I've worked as an accountant almost all my working life, so my career is not actually an artistic one. In fact, I approached the theatre 15 years ago, in a completely casual and amateur way. A path that, however, I immediately tried to enrich over the years attending workshops and drama classes. Among them, I like to remember the one edited by Amat, held by the playwright and international director Sonia Antinori, which I still see today.

What do acting and theatre represent for you?

As I said before, I approached the theatre very late, but since I was a child, I tried to express what I felt through some form of art. More precisely, the writing. I still remember the emotion I felt that Sunday, when I was just thirteen years old and I saw my name printed on the magazine "Giovani" (Youngers) for having sent some lyrics for a music column. However with the theatre I discovered a wonderful world. The first time I entered the Persiani Theatre of Recanati as an "actor" for rehearsals, with my companions of the time, was something truly indescribable. Engaging in the interpretation of a new character. Studying his way of thinking. Behaving. The long sleepless nights trying to memorize that part you like so much, but that so much makes you struggle! Or having the opportunity to read out beautiful verses coming from the depths of your soul, as if they were yours, well, I believe there is no greater experience. I was lucky enough to work in the cinema, as a simple actor or with small roles, alongside famous actors and in different productions. In order of time I remember Flavio Bucci, Giorgio Pasotti, Elio Germano and Diana Del Bufalo. I had the most recent satisfaction last summer when I worked in a short film: "Radical Camp", which received a lot of awards in various countries including the USA, India, Germany etc. However, I must admit that the Theatre is always and only the Theatre. The famous boards of the stage release a charm that no "ciak turns" will ever give you. (Left: with Elio Germano on the set of the film "Il giovane favoloso" -The fabulous young man-. Right: with Giorgio Pasotti)

Why did you choose to play the role of Giacomo Leopardi in the dramatized Infinito Experience?

By chance. A journalist friend of mine told me that Sistema Museo was looking for an actor, possibly a local person, to play the role of Leopardi. I thought to have all the characteristics: from Recanati, vaguely looking like Giacomo, wanting, as always, to enrich my baggage of experiences and not least, I had already interpreted the role. So I introduced myself and since that day, a beautiful and exciting story began. All this from the practical point of view. For the rest, what to say: playing the role of Leopardi, or better the role of "GIACOMO LEOPARDI in his Recanati", is... a dream? Something that I still struggle to believe. Obviously always with the greatest respect, professionalism and humility that this role requires. I gave a lot to this character but I also received a lot: among the many satisfactions I had the honour to go to Florence and present the character in the famous "Salone dei 500" (Room of the 500) of Palazzo Vecchio, and often on the Rai networks.
(With his sons in front of the Torre del Borgo)

What do you like most about this experience, which has been going on for years and continues to be much appreciated by tourists?

First of all, it is a great honor for me. Secondly I'm very satisfied with the appreciation of tourists after having participated in this experience. The formula immediately proved to be successful: the right duration of an hour; the right balance between the "telling" Giacomo and the pure recitation of poems or passages of the "Zibaldone". Finally, of course, the spots. We can't speak about Giacomo, without going to that small square where " The young girl comes from the fields " or where "the children shouting made a cheerful noise". Without admiring the imposing "paternal hostel" of Casa Leopardi or without imagining "Silvia on work intent". And continuing to discover the sweetness and depth of those verses in the harmonious silence of the Colle dell'Infinito Park. Being able to offer all this to an audience always attentive, curious and eager to share this wonderful experience, is undoubtedly fantastic.

The highest and most exciting moment is when, once reached the top of the hill, I ask people to open the parchments that we give at the beginning of the tour, containing "L' Infinito" (The Infinite) and ask those who want, to read a verse of poetry. This thing, born by chance, has become an incredible ritual. An experience even enjoyed by children. The youngest had just turned 6 years old. Not to mention the real emotion that in some cases, this moment gives rise. Hard to say what I like best. Maybe the awareness of giving and feeling every time a thrill. Some people participate to know something about Giacomo or to relive the school period. Others because are true enthusiast. Having an audience every time happy with this experience is something that would please anyone.

What are your plans for the future?

As we know, during this year, the theatre in general is suffering greatly. However, last summer, I had the fortune not only to do the tour (even though with a fixed number of people), but also to bring to the Persian Theatre, a short version of the history of Sacco and Vanzetti written by Sonia Antinori. Health emergency permitting, the first project for the future will be to bring this show to Verona, for an important festival, on April 17. Let's keep our fingers crossed!