Mirror, Mirror: A Funhouse of Cultural Revelations
By Dino Magistrelli
Well, well, well! The Palazzo di Atlante has decided it’s time to throw away the dusty old scrolls and bring in the flashy new tech. Welcome to “Mirror Mirror,” the interactive installation that’s popping more than a bad champagne cork at a wedding. Held in the stunning Rocca Ariostesca of Castelnuovo, the exhibit had its grand unveiling yesterday morning with a star-studded trio: Mayor Andrea Tagliasacchi, Deputy Mayor Chiara Bechelli, and the artistic director herself, Ana Shametaj.
Now, one might think it’s just a bunch of fancy lights and noises, but oh no! This is *art*! Collaboration is the name of the game here, with a roster of creative wizards that could make a Marvel movie blush. From sound and interaction wizard Andrea Giomi to the costume consultant Jessica Pierobon, it looks like the Kokoschka Revival crew could assemble for their own version of a superhero flick! I mean, someone’s even tasked with making sure the software doesn’t throw a tantrum—Cristina Sabato, take a bow!
As the mayor eloquently put it, with the reopening scheduled for November 1st and the installation of “Mirror Mirror,” they’re offering an “unmissable opportunity.” Probably because missing it is just as impossible as explaining the plot of *Orlando Furioso* to someone who’s never read it. And let’s be honest, the thought of two thousand visitors clambering over themselves to experience the peculiar marriage of technology and literature makes one wonder—are we truly there for the art, or is it just the promise of a selfie with a magic mirror? Spoiler: It’s the selfie!
Ana Shametaj, the visionary behind this whimsical enterprise, explained that “Mirror Mirror” features the 14 main characters of Ariosto’s poem, plus a multitude of fantastical creatures. It’s like *America’s Got Talent* but for literature! Visitors can engage with the iridescent reflections, creating a carnival of eccentric images and characters, where the only thing more distorted than your reflection is the narrative of your last relationship.
With the generous backing of the Siae announcement and the “For those who create” project, “Mirror Mirror” is kicking off a whole phase of expansion for the museum that, by June 2025, promises to unveil a grand, fully operational cultural hub encompassing the vast swirling stories of *Orlando Furioso*. Who knew a 16th-century epic would turn into an all-access pass for tech-savvy art lovers?
So, whether you’re genuinely into epic poems or just looking for the next Instagram hotspot, the Palazzo di Atlante’s bold foray into interactive art is not to be missed —unless, of course, you’d prefer to stay home and stare at your wall. Let’s be real; that’s not nearly as exciting!
The Palazzo di Atlante, nestled within the historic confines of the Rocca Ariostesca in Castelnuovo, has undergone a remarkable transformation, showcasing a vibrant mix of cutting-edge multimedia technology alongside captivating sound representation tools. Yesterday morning marked the grand inauguration of “Mirror Mirror,” an innovative interactive installation specially designed for a dedicated space within the Rocca, attended by distinguished figures including Mayor Andrea Tagliasacchi, Deputy Mayor Chiara Bechelli, and Ana Shametaj, the visionary artistic director of the Kokoschka Revival collective. This ambitious project, crafted by Kokoschka Revival under Shametaj’s expert guidance, brought together an impressive array of talents: Andrea Giomi, who deftly managed the sound and interaction elements; Rebecca Biagini, responsible for the immersive scenography; Fabio Brusadin, the technical director ensuring seamless execution; Cristina Sabato, who provided essential software assistance; Jessica Pierobon, who lent her expertise in costume consultancy; Fred Fumagalli, overseeing production logistics; and several others, including key contributors from the 42 – Lab initiative, such as creative technologist Lorenzo Minneci, AI researcher Massimiliano Zanoni, graphic designer Stefano Tamburino, and scientific consultant Alessandro Benassi. Their combined efforts also benefited from social media strategist Michela Bottanelli and press officer Stefania Bernacchia. “With the reopening of the Museum on November 1st and the inauguration of Mirror Mirror,” articulated Mayor Tagliasacchi, “we are offering an unmissable opportunity for all those who wish to discover a new way of experiencing Orlando Furioso, in a perfect union between literature, technology and innovation. From May to August, we registered over 7,300 visitors, averaging nearly 2,000 people visiting our historic center each month. This entire phase is intended to be experimental and adaptive, paving the way for a grand inauguration next year that aims to reinvent the structure of our historic center.”
With key support from the Siae announcement and the “For those who create” initiative, the “Mirror Mirror” exhibition signifies the beginning of an exciting expansion phase for the Museum, which is expected to culminate in June 2025. By that time, the establishment will be fully operational, featuring new permanent exhibitions and a variety of cultural initiatives that will explore the rich narrative of Orlando Furioso in depth. “Mirror Mirror,” explained the talented young creator and artistic director Ana Shametaj, “serves as a magical mirror, presenting the 14 principal characters from Ariosto’s epic poem alongside fantastical creatures from Orlando Furioso. Visitors have the unique opportunity to gaze into this enchanted mirror and actively engage with an altered reflection, immersing themselves in a kaleidoscope of extraordinary visuals.”
Dino Magistrelli
**Interview with Ana Shametaj: Visionary Artistic Director of “Mirror Mirror”**
**Editor:** Welcome, Ana! Congratulations on the successful launch of “Mirror Mirror.” How does it feel to see your vision come to life at the Palazzo di Atlante?
**Ana Shametaj:** Thank you! It feels absolutely exhilarating. Transforming the Rocca Ariostesca into a space where literature and technology intertwine has been a dream of ours for a while. The response from visitors so far has been overwhelmingly positive.
**Editor:** You’ve described “Mirror Mirror” as a platform for collaboration. Can you tell us more about the team behind this project and what each contributor brought to the table?
**Ana Shametaj:** Certainly! We had an incredibly talented group of individuals. For instance, Andrea Giomi crafted the interactive sound experience, which really helps immerse visitors in the narratives. Rebecca Biagini designed the scenography, making sure the environment feels both whimsical and reflective of Ariosto’s poetic world. Then there’s Cristina Sabato, who ensured our software ran smoothly, along with Jessica Pierobon’s beautiful costume designs. It was truly a team effort, and I’m proud of each person’s contributions.
**Editor:** The installation features 14 main characters from *Orlando Furioso*. Why did you choose to focus on these characters, and how do they interact with visitors in “Mirror Mirror”?
**Ana Shametaj:** Each character represents a different facet of the human experience, much like a mirror reflects our own realities. Visitors can engage with these characters through various interactive displays. It’s a way to explore their stories in a new, dynamic format—almost like a literary talent show where each character has a unique performance!
**Editor:** With social media’s influence today, how do you feel about the potential for visitors to post selfies with the installation? Do you think that shifts the focus away from the art?
**Ana Shametaj:** I embrace it! If taking a selfie with an interactive installation sparks interest in the stories behind the characters, then that’s a win in my book. We’re creating an encounter with literature that is both fun and meaningful, and if that draws in a younger audience, I see it as an opportunity to deepen their engagement with the arts.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, the Palazzo di Atlante is set for further expansion by June 2025. What can we expect from the museum in terms of cultural offerings and exhibitions?
**Ana Shametaj:** We’re working towards creating a fully operational cultural hub that celebrates not just *Orlando Furioso*, but a wide array of literary and artistic traditions. Our goal is to curate experiences that are interactive and engaging, blending various art forms and technologies to enrich visitors’ understanding and enjoyment of culture.
**Editor:** That sounds exciting! Lastly, what’s your hope for how “Mirror Mirror” will resonate with the public?
**Ana Shametaj:** I hope it inspires a sense of wonder and curiosity. The world of literature is vast and offers endless stories waiting to be explored. If our installation ignites even a small spark of interest in the epic tales of the past, then we’ve succeeded. And of course, I want everyone to enjoy themselves—selfies included!
**Editor:** Thank you, Ana, for sharing your insights. We can’t wait to see how “Mirror Mirror” unfolds in the coming months!
**Ana Shametaj:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure chatting with you. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the exhibit!
