islands of naples festival 23 29 may 2011

23 29 ISLANDS
MAY OF NAPLES
2011 FESTIVAL
theatre and food: an extravaganza
of taste in a sea of wonders
NAPLES
CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE
PRESS RELEASE
Spring is the ideal time to discover or come back to the spectacular Neapolitan islands.And from 23 to 29 May 2011, Capri,
Ischia and Procida took centre stage in the 3rd “Islands of Naples: a sea of wonders” Festival, this year dedicated to exploring
the dual theme of theatre and food. A symbolic choice highlighting the inextricable link between history and modernity;
because after all cooking is first and foremost a performing art. From the banqueting halls of wealthy aristocrats to the kitchen
tables of farmers and fishermen, the rich tapestry of Neapolitan food can transform life into a constant party.The festival
party spirit flowed in and around the old villages, luxury villas, castles, watchtowers, gardens and breath-taking scenery that
make up the extraordinary appeal of Naples’ three islands. The islands themselves are a natural theatre, forming a stage
and backdrop that changes with the passing of the seasons. Each full of surprises and delights.
Sponsored and financed by the Naples Chamber of Commerce, the festival was organized by the Chamber’s special agency
COM.TUR. The key aim of the event was to provide an integrated promotion of tourism, local food products and crafts
on the three islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida, bringing the many high- and off-season attractions on offer in the Bay of
Naples to the attention of national and international tour operators and media.
Set in stunning surroundings, the festival was focused around themed theatrical performances and special “stage menus”
featuring fabulous local produce created by restaurants on the islands for visitors to enjoy in a sea of wonders.
“Civico 19” was the title of the show that accompanied the event and was taken from two works by Eduardo De Filippo,
“Filomena Marturano” and “Non ti pago”. Performances were held on 26 May in Anacapri (Nuova Sala Polifunzionale), 27
May on Procida (Procida Hall) and 28 May on Ischia (Cinema Excelsior). Audiences were invited to discover the pleasure
of sharing, with the help of Eduardo and good food – befittingly presented within the play – in a unique dimension suspended
between dream and reality.
The theatre is an engaging experience, offering food for thought and captivating audiences with its magic. At the same time,
it can provide talented local chefs with an opportunity to express their creativity. Visitors to the 3rd Islands of Naples
Festival had the chance to choose from a variety of “Stage menus” featuring dishes taken from plays or created in honour
of famous theatrical works, actors and directors.These special festival menus were available at 18 selected restaurants on
the three islands. Restaurants on Ischia: Il Focolare, Umberto a Mare, Da Ciccio, Ida, La Trattoria, Il Capannaccio, Miramare
e Castello, Il Melograno,Visconti, Un Attimo diVino and La Cucina del Monastero. Restaurants on Capri: Paolino “Lemon
Trees”, La Capannina, L’Olivo and Il Riccio. Restaurants on Procida: La Locanda del Postino, La Lampara and Fammivento.
Joining in the festival fun on the islands were three celebrated actors from the national and international stage: Patrizio Rispo,
Katharina Hauter and Lorraine Toussaint. Each was presented with a special award at a gala evening held on Ischia on 25
May in the magnificent surroundings of the Mezzatorre Resor t & Spa. Live entertainment by popular singer Sal da Vinci
was followed by a tasting menu dinner dedicated to the world of the theatre by chef Giuseppe D’Abundo.
Also attending the festival were national and international media representatives from major TV networks and radio stations
(MBC Dubai – TMC Munich – Punto Radio Madrid) as well as journalists from prestigious newspapers and magazines (The
Independent, Food and Travel Magazine, Rutas del Mundo, Los 32 Rumbos, Huffington Post, Presseclub Munich International,
Homes Collection Magazine, Saveur, Bon Appetit, Condé Nast, El Mundo,The New York Times, Conexo, Der Standard and
M-Lifestyle).
The event was presented at a press conference held on 23 May in the Naples Chamber of Commerce Board Room (Via
S. Aspreno, 2 – 3rd Floor). Guests were given a warm welcome by the president of the Naples Chamber, Maurizio Maddaloni,
and the president of COM.TUR, Rober to de Laurentiis.