MOLFETTA (BA) – «By contemplating the Child God, who gives off light in the humility of the crib, we too can become witnesses of humility, tenderness and goodness». It is Pope Francis’ message that the members of SER Molfetta have welcomed, who have been involved in volunteering and public assistance in the health and social fields for years, turning it into reality.
A Living Crib never seen before is what will be staged again on January 4-5 and 6 in Molfetta. Not so much for the setting, which even the inhabitants of Molfetta are used to, but for the originality and creativity in the artistic choices. In fact, if the Basilica of the Madonna dei Martiri and the annexed Ospedaletto dei Crociati have often represented the worthy and evocative setting for the re-enactment of the birth of Our Lord, it is a completely innovative aspect to set up an articulated and diversified itinerary that goes from the story of some Old and New Testament biblical passages up to the representation of medieval daily life, the context in which the first living nativity scene in history was set up (in Greccio in 1223), passing through the inevitable revival of Bethlehem from the year zero.
The artistic supervision of the Living Nativity 2022 is by the SerMolfetta voluntary association which for the first time has ventured into the organization of a cultural initiative as complex as it is articulated, thanks to its many years of presence in the area, ascertained by the countless activities carried out, with efficiency and professionalism, in the health and social fields. The friars of the Basilica acted as support for the imposing scenic machine who, with their usual willingness, granted the use of the spaces of the convent as early as November as well as the Municipality of Molfetta with the Department of Culture, in the person of Giacomo Rossiello , which sponsored the initiative, inserting it in the program of Christmas events Christmas Emotions.
The first three evenings of staging, between 26 and 28 December, recorded a record number of visitors, many of whom came from outside Molfetta. Almost 2500 spectators, including many children, who wanted to attend the stage performances. Illuminated the choice of the organizers to involve the Compagnia de Il Carro dei Comedians which, with quality and well-structured scenic actions, interpreted by real actors, accompanies visitors into the cloister of the Basilica and then into the evocative setting of the Ospedaletto in which the sets of the Nativity scene are already starting to take shape. A prelude to what groups can admire in the outdoor area. A wooden goiter and a sailor intent on repairing the fishing nets bear witness to the ancient seafaring vocation of the city of Molfetta; then vintners, an inn, scenes of domestic life, the carpenter, the rope maker and the inevitable animals, a real attraction for the little ones. A little further on, a little friar accompanies visitors in the medieval setting (explicit reference to 13th century Greccio) set up by the Melphicta nel Passato association. A continuous interaction with the spectators who can undergo archery and souvenir photos in the pillory. Inevitable the musicians who accompany those present with bagpipes: flute and accordion in fact in the long and articulated itinerary.
The SerMolfetta Living Nativity Scene does not lose sight of the values of hospitality and inclusion through the involvement of some guests of the recovery communities managed by the Metropolis Consortium.
An engaging experience that allows you to rediscover some unique places of the city’s artistic heritage and which can be enjoyed again on 4, 5 and 6 January starting at 18.30. Tickets can be purchased on the days of the event at the box office in the area outside the Basilica or at the Ser Molfetta headquarters in via Togliatti c/o Palapoli (single seat ticket €3, free for children up to 10 years old) , or online in presale at the link: www.diyticket.it/artists/3038/presepe-vivente-2022 For info: 393 123 2109.
