EAST/Korea in Florence!
March 20–30 Odeon Cinehall, piazza Strozzi, Florence Website More than just a cinematic event, the Florence Korea Film Fest explores all aspects of Korean culture. The first film in the festival lineup is the acclaimed Roaring Currents (March 20, 8.30pm). Director Kim Han-Min will be present at the screening. Beyond the Odeon, the festival spills out into Florence’s squares and streets—on Saturday, catch an open-air tae-kwon-do demonstration and an Asian calligraphy exhibition in piazza della Repubblica (4–6pm). All films will be screened in their original language with subtitles in English and Italian. To view the full program, see the festival website.
CLASSICAL/Power & Pathos March 14–June 21 Palazzo Strozzi, piazza Strozzi, Florence Website
A must-see exhibition of 50 bronze treasures of the Hellenistic world. The Hellenistic period was an important turning point in classical art as sculptors began adding more expressive elements to their work. Organized in collaboration with the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles and the National Gallery in Washington D.C., the exhibition hosts masterpieces from major world museums. For more information, visit the Palazzo Strozzi website.
THEATRE/Oliver Twist March 20, 8pm, and March 22, 3pm St. Mark’s English Church, via Maggio 16/18, Florence Website
The Charles Dickens classic comes to life this week at St. Mark’s! Local theatre group FESTA Kids will perform a Neil Bartlett adaptation of Dickens’ novel, which traces young orphan Oliver’s London misadventures. Called a ‘fast and furious retelling,’ the 80-minute play is family-friendly, appealing to audiences of all ages. Admission is free, though donations are gratefully accepted. For more information, see the Festa Kids Facebook page; to reserve seats, call 3389180867 or email info@festatheatre.com.
CULTURE/FAI Spring Days March 21–22 Various venues in Florence, Scandicci and throughout TuscanyWebsite Count on the Fondo Ambiente Italiano for one of the first signs of spring! This weekend, the Giornate di Primavera initiative is back. FAI, an organization dedicated to promoting and protecting cultural heritage, will offer free admission to 780 sites across Italy, many of which are not normally open to the public. The following Florence venues are part of the lineup: the Biblioteca Marucelliana, a bibliophile’s paradise; Palazzo Maruccelli Fenzi; Villa Corsini a Castello; Villa La Quiete alle Montalve; the Conti Galli Tassi mill and Pieve of San Vincenzo a Torri (tip: register for FAI on their website ahead of the weekend to enjoy year-round advantages and guided visits).
MUSIC/British Invasion March 23, 10.30pm Red Garter, via de’ Benci 33/35r, FlorenceWebsite ‘Beatle-mania’ is back at the Red Garter. Head to the historic bar to hear Vox Power, one of the best Fab Four tribute bands around. Dance to the classic Beatles tunes, enjoy 2-for-1 hamburgers and once the band ends their set, take to the stage for karaoke time. Entry is free! For further information, see the Facebook event.
