Italian artist Paola Cortellesi delivered a poignant reflection on gender and citizenship during a June 2 broadcast on Rai, using her opening monologue for I volti della Repubblica to challenge the historical promises made to women in Italy.
Addressing the “Unkept Promises” of the Republic
Opening the program, Cortellesi focused her commentary on the struggle for women’s suffrage and the ongoing disparities in societal expectations. She framed the current state of affairs as "promises made to courageous women not kept," highlighting a gap between the ideals of the Republic and the lived experiences of women.
To illustrate this shift in social dynamics, Cortellesi shared a personal memory regarding her grandmother’s role within the family. She recalled how her grandmother would remain standing to serve everyone at the table, noting that while this was not viewed as an act of oppression at the time, it was simply the established rule of the household.
Today we would not allow it; we would say: “Sit down, you are the queen.”
Honoring Partisan Courage
The performance also served as a tribute to the figures who fought for Italian liberation. Cortellesi specifically remembered Mimma, a partisan courier, emphasizing the sacrifice made by women during the resistance.
Referring to the courier’s fate, Cortellesi stated that Mimma was "shot for our freedom," linking the bravery of past female partisans to the broader conversation about the rights and recognition women hold in the modern Republic.
Broadcast Highlights and Critical Reception
The Rai broadcast was characterized by its emotional weight, featuring a remembrance of Aldo Moro. However, not every segment of the program was received with the same acclaim; local reports indicated that the participation of Bocci was viewed unfavorably, with critics suggesting his forgetful demeanor was an avoidable element of the production.
