Sting Performs in Naples’ Secondigliano Prison
11 December 2023
A truly special performance unfolded last month in Naples’ Secondigliano prison, where globally acclaimed artist Sting delivered a moving rendition of “Fragile” alogside the Quartetto del Mare. Sting, in fact, was given the first guitar made in the prison, on the occasion of the filming of the documentary “Can I Come In? An Ode to Naples,” directed by Trudie Styler, (Big Sur Production, Mad Entertainment with Rai Cinema in co-production with Luce Cinecittà). The making of the video, produced in collaboration with director Trudie Styler, was supported by the Con il Sud Fondation and the numerous esteemed artists who generously donated their art for the event.
During the performance, unique musical instruments made from materials salvaged from migrants’ boats were used. The instruments were built by inmates in the Milan-Opera and Naples-Secondigliano prisons, in which 9 inmates and 5 master luthiers (makers of stringed instruments) are employed, and who are beneficiaries of a fundraiser for the Metamorphosis project, a cultural and education initiative of the Casa dello Spirito e delle Arti Foundation.
The woods from migrants’ boats embark on a virtuous journey of regeneration, as they are transported from Favarolo Port in Lampedusa to various Italian prisons, including Milan-Opera and Naples Secondigliano, where they undergo a transformation into musical instruments. The instruments become an ideal vehicle to reflect on the human condition and the plight of those forced to flee war, persecution, and famine. In addition, they serve as a tool for social and occupational reintegration for the people engaged in this artistic work supported by the expertise of luthiers and carpenters.
In collaboration with the Fondazione Comunità San Gennaro, a carpentry and luthier workshop has been established inside the Milan-Opera Detention Facility and the Secondigliano prison in Naples. 100 boats from Lampedusa have made their way to these locations, where the project has successfully taken shape.
The Metamorphosis project was made possible thanks to partnerships with Intesa Sanpaolo bank, the Cariplo Foundation, the Peppino Vismara Foundation, and the Foundations for the Communities of Monza and Brianza (Fondazione della Comunità di Monza e Brianza). As well as through a partnership with the Department of Prison Administration and the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency.
To donate and support the project, please visit https://www.progettometamorfosi.org/it
