On May 6th, 2025, a unique performance took place in the atmospheric Loggiato del Glicine at Via de’ Malcontenti 6. Accademia Europea di Firenze presented A Tempest, an original adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic play, featuring an extraordinary cast of international students and senior residents from Montedomini’s assisted living facilities.
The event marked the grand finale of AEF’s course Connecting Art and Community, which began in early February and unfolded weekly within Montedomini’s central structure. The initiative brought together students from AEF—including participants from Elon University in North Carolina—and elderly residents from Montedomini. Senior participants joined the project, engaging in weekly rehearsals and creative activities led by AEF faculty.
Guiding the workshop were instructors Francesco Gori and Matteo Pecorini, the latter known for his theater work in local RSAs with the company Verso Oklahoma. Alongside nine AEF students, they crafted a heartfelt reinterpretation of The Tempest, enriched by original music composed by Tommaso Ferrini and Holly Keyser.
This collaborative performance was more than an artistic endeavor—it became a space where generations met, cultural differences dissolved, and individual stories found expression through shared creation. It stood as a testament to the value of intergenerational dialogue and the healing, unifying power of the arts.
The initiative was made possible thanks to the longstanding collaboration between AEF, Verso Oklahoma, ASP Firenze Montedomini, and Cooperativa Elleuno. It is part of a broader vision to foster genuine community connections for international students studying in Florence.
