Fourteen years ago, journalist and writer Antonio Monda and film producer Davide Azzolini started Le Conversazioni, a literary festival that attracts international talent. Monda is known for his humor and cutting cultural commentary—for one of his documentaries, he began each interview with “Why do I like you?”—and his festival is likewise known for its witty atmosphere. This year, Le Conversazioni has been canceled, but there is a digital alternative: each week, Monda, jokingly playing a TV presenter, leads virtual conversations in his signature style, calling on three artists to read and discuss their favorite texts. The first episode featured novelist Ian McEwan on E. M. Forster; the most recent sees singer-songwriter Jovanotti reading Gabriel García Márquez. A new lineup of guests is announced each week, but we’ve been told future participants include Pulitzer and Grammy winners as well as Booker and Strega Prize recipients. —E.C.
The Arts Intel Report
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
Le Conversazioni: Writers On Writers
Where
Streaming on Repubblica TV