It is often the case that people who become very famous in later life are fixed in our memories and imaginations with the austere aura of maturity, almost as if they had never been young. This is particularly true for Rita Levi-Montalcini who, after having received the Nobel Prize for medicine in 1986, became an international icon identified with an unmistakable style.
But the life of the great scientist, despite being marked by moments of tragedy, such as racial persecution for her being Jewish, and the difficulties faced as a woman in the predominantly male world of science, has always been accompanied by happiness, humour and presence of mind. This is confirmed by her biography and her private correspondence - both with her mother and her adored twin sister Paola - which have lead to the creation of the theatrical text written by Andrea Grignolio and Valeria Patera: a woman of captivating vitality, vibrant humanity and youthful energy. The piece follows Rita Levi-Montalcini’s personal and professional story: a journey through private and scientific worlds, works and secrets, memories and anecdotes all voiced by Giulia Lazzarini.
The words are accompanied by video images which reconstruct a possible mental and imaginary world of the scientist through flashes of works by her favourite artists, faces and memories both private and familiar, the portraits at the microscope together with Giuseppe Levi and, in particular, the uncovering of her favourite musical moments: the marvellous architecture of Bach, the power of Beethoven, and the elegance of Mozart. And then her childhood obsessions, the horror of war and the desire of a young woman who chooses her own destiny in a moment in history when such freedom is not taken for granted.