According to Danilo Sidari, ‘schizophrenia migrantis’ is a state of mind affecting the majority of migrants (regardless of their ethnicity) and caused by a strong feeling of homesickness. The malaise mainly shows itself in a sense of displacement generating a sort of “grey psychological zone” where cultural identity is not clearly defined. At the Museo Italiano, Carlton, on 16 October at 6.30pm, Danilo Sidari will be reading excerpts of stories from his book Schizophrenia Migrantis, and performing songs alongside the pianist Mauro Colombis.

The author:

Danilo Sidari was born in 1957 in Sanremo. His first encounter with literature took place in Liguria in 1990. In 1995 he moved to Sydney, where he currently works to promote Italian culture. Danilo has collaborated with the monthly Italian-Australian Nuovo Paese, with La Fiamma/Il Globo and the website Mentelocale.it for many years. He has written and conducted various radio programs for SBS Radio on Italian music of the 20th century, about artists such as Battisti, De André, and le cantautrici. Danilo has also won numerous awards for literary competitions in both Italy and Australia.  Schizophrenia Migrantis , published in 2012, is his first book. He is currently working on his second book, Liguritudine , a collection of short stories set in Liguria.

The musician:

Mauro Colombis was born in Padova, Italy. He began playing the piano at the age of six and holds two masters degrees in piano performance (from Moscow and Venice) and a bachelor’s degree from DAMS in Bologna. He has performed in concerts as a soloist, in pianistic duos, and other chamber orchestras in Australia and various European countries. In 2009, Mauro improvised a concert with Djalu Gurruwiwi, a well-known aboriginal didgeridoo player. In 2002 he specialised in playing the piano for silent films, including those featured in Italian film festivals (Le Giornate del Cinema Muto) and in Australian film festivals. Mauro has also composed the music for ‘The Story of the Kelly Gang’.

In 2007 Danilo and Mauro collaborated to promote Italian musicians in Australia. One of their most memorable concerts titled ‘Amico Fragile’, a tribute to Fabrizio de André on the 10th anniversary of the Ligurian songwriter’s death, took place in 2009 at the Sydney conservatorium. In 2010, directed by Riccardo Schirru, Danilo and Mauro replicated the performance at the Clock Tower theatre in Moonee Ponds.

Date: Thursday, 16th October 2014, at 6.30 pm

Where: Museo Italiano, Co.As.It., 199 Faraday Street, Carlton 3053

RSVP: ihs@coasit.com.au; (03)9349 9021