MICHELANGELO &
THE SECRETS OF THE SISTINE CHAPEL
Art meets entertainment. An immersive journey allowing viewers the possibility to discover the history and the secrets of the Sistine Chapel, a unique live show inspired by Michelangelo’s masterpiece and told with a contemporary and entertainment style language. “Giudizio Universale. Michelangelo and the Secrets of the Sistine Chapel” is a new genre of entertainment connecting the fascination and beauty of the finest worldwide artistic icons with the emotional and engaging codes of entertainment: 270° of immersive projections, live performances, theatrical effects, music, and technology. Realized with the scientific advice of the Vatican Museums, the show has been created by Marco Balich, Creative Director and Olympic Producer who is referred to as the “designer of emotions”. After more than 20 Olympic Ceremonies (Rio 2016, Sochi 2014, Torino 2006, and many others), his expertise in producing large-scale events is renowned throughout the world. He was the Artistic Director of the Italian Pavilion in EXPO Milan 2015 and the creator of the iconic Tree of Life. The main theme song of “Giudizio Universale”, composed by Sting, will lead the audience through an emotional and aesthetic experience not to be missed.
The co-director is Lulu Helbek - creative director of important productions for Balich Worldwide Shows. The show which is presented in Italian and in English also counts on the contribution of two acting stars: the voice of Michelangelo, in both versions, is performed by Pierfrancesco Favino, while the voice of the Bible in the English version is performed by Susan Sarandon.
THE PLOT
At the beginning of the show, the viewer is taken on a journey through time. The journey starts in the 16th century where a visit to the quarries of Carrara takes place, on a search for the perfect piece of marble. Michelangelo's passion for stone arose out of his relationship with "The Giant", a rock that seemed impossible to sculpt, until he created the most iconic statue of all time, David. Michelangelo is without a doubt, an artist. He not only sculpts but also writes poetry and paints. This is why Pope Julius II commissioned him to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The Chapel will appear to the public as it was before Michelangelo began work on it, and the viewer will explore, in his presence, the lateral paintings created by the Italian Masters before him, artists like Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Perugino, and Pinturricchio. A magical journey featuring the artist's creative process where the ceiling paintings dedicated to Genesis come alive and express their humanity.
in 1513, a year after completion of the Ceiling fresco, the Sistine Chapel became, for the first time, the place where the papal conclave, the meeting convened to elect the Pope would take place. Thanks to a free interpretation, the symbols of this timeless rite come to life. At the end of the papal conclave, the new Pope Clement VII orders Michelangelo to create the fresco on the main wall of the Sistine Chapel. A new challenge for Michelangelo, who in a moment of inspiration produces a visionary and powerful fresco depicting the Last Judgement, one which completely breaks with the previous tradition. Giudizio Universale immerses us in an aesthetic, emotional, and truly spiritual experience.
The Italian Connection & Spirito Italiano have put together some great proposals where you not only get to experience this amazing show but you get to enjoy the beautiful city of Rome.