For years, the tradition of expressing love through letters has found its home in Verona, particularly at Juliet’s house. People from around the globe send letters addressed to Shakespeare’s iconic heroine, and some of the most beautiful ones will be honored during the “Letters. Dear Juliet Award 2024” event on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 8:30 pm in Teatro Nuovo. Set against the backdrop of Juliet’s famous balcony, the event promises to explore the world of love letters, from literary exchanges to intimate personal notes.
The evening will kick off with a live performance of the podcast “Corrispondenze. When writers write to each other” by journalist Miryam Scandola, in collaboration with Veronese podcast boutique Storie Avattivabili, with original music by singer-songwriter Veronica Marchi. The podcast, available on various platforms from Valentine’s Day, delves into the love stories of famous literary couples through their letters, including Albert Camus and Maria Casarès, Marina Tsvetaeva and Rainer Maria Rilke, and Cesare Pavese and Bianca Garufi.
In the midst of literary greatness, there’s also an abundance of heartfelt emotions. “Dear Juliet, Verona” marks the beginning of each message received by the Juliet Club, a testament to the enduring appeal of Shakespeare’s myth and the enchanting aura of Verona, known as the city of love. These letters, alongside countless others, echo the universal themes of love and longing. Mariana from Mexico shares her newfound courage in love, Chiara questions whether her departed Peter will remain a fixture in her life, and seventeen-year-old Emma, with a passion for literature and quantum physics, seeks reassurance from Juliet about finding her own Romeo. Lastly, Laura and Kai express their profound love through two letters to the Shakespearean heroine, earning them the esteemed Dear Juliet Award. These tales embody the diverse experiences of individuals like Mariana Monaco, who found love after loss in Italy, Emma Gamberini, whose romantic dreams mirror those of Juliet, Chiara Massaro, grappling with the pain of separation from Peter, and the deeply connected love shared by Laura and Kai.
The event will be introduced by Councilor for Culture Marta Ugolini and President of the Giulietta Club Giovanna Tamassia, alongside other notable figures. It continues to celebrate the timeless tradition of love letters, showcasing their emotional significance through innovative channels like podcasts.
The “Letters. Premio Cara Giulietta 2024” event, hosted by Elisabetta Gallina, is supported by the Culture Department of the Municipality of Verona. Winners of the Dear Juliet Award will receive special gifts from sponsors, including custom-made jewelry from Maschio Gioielli Milano adorned with yellow gold, fuchsia, green, and blue tourmalines, along with a bottle of Caseo 530 Pinot Nero Rosé Metodo Classico Brut Capsule Collection, in collaboration with Santé Couture. Additionally, the renowned Tommasi winery provides their fine wine, aesthetically curated by two prominent stylists.
Event Sponsors
Flowers for the event are sourced from Oltre il Giardino florist, and hospitality is graciously extended by Hotel Due Torri, located in the historic center of Verona. The event is sponsored by the Vicenzi Group and communication agency Pensiero Visibile, in collaboration with Teatro Nuovo of Verona and Verona in Love. The winning letters, kept confidential until the event, will be read by Giada Corrà, Fabio Caccia, and Rossana Valier on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Teatro Nuovo at 8:30 pm. The evening will feature performances by Veronica Marchi, singing original songs from the podcast, and music by the Italian-Brazilian band Jambow Jane, enhancing the special moments of the award ceremony.
The event is free to enter and open to the public until all available seats are filled. All information on the website of the Municipality of Verona.
