“Canale Cavour” in the Spotlight at AREA907
On Saturday, 12 September, AREA907 will reopen to the public after the summer break with a new Open907 event, part of the programme of initiatives through which Buzzi’s company museum explores industrial history, culture and the local area.
The highlight of the evening will be Canale Cavour – Tutto e solo di braccia e di badile, a performance starring Lucilla Giagnoni, conceived and directed by Francesco Brugnetta, which tells the story of the construction of the Cavour Canal.
This is a compelling theatrical narrative dedicated to the lesser-known Cavour, the one focused on the needs of rice cultivation, at the centre of a dramatic conflict marked by disagreements and misunderstandings with Francesco Rossi, manager of the historic Leri estate and creator of the Canal. It is a crucial page in the history of the Risorgimento and newly unified Italy, highlighting the foresight of the Count, an agricultural entrepreneur and an all-round political strategist. An opportunity to bring the landscape of the Piedmont plain to the stage and to communicate, in an original way, the rice-field environment and the sublime nature of the canal lands: centuries upon centuries of topography shaped by human ingenuity. This dramaturgical chronicle takes its cue from the pamphlet by Antonio Rossi, Francesco’s son, aimed at asserting his father’s merits in conceiving the memorable undertaking. From here unfolds a hydraulic narrative, a construction legend, a story of men and waters that has never ceased.
Lucilla Giagnoni, a witness to many stories from the rice fields, from Chimera to Marchesa Colombi, is the sole performer in this theatrical challenge, the only woman in a story written by the 14,000 men who worked on the undertaking.
Francesco Brugnetta is the author of the text and the director. The story is illustrated by Manuele Cecconello’s refined and evocative images and by live music from Noego (Chistopher Ghidoni: DJ set and guitar; Cecco Aroni Vigone: saxophone); it is further enriched by audio testimonies collected by Matteo Bellizzi, which give voice to the watermen and technicians who work on the canals every day.
The performance will begin at 9:30 pm and will be preceded by guided tours of the museum, organised in three time slots at 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm.
An opportunity to discover AREA907’s museum itinerary within Buzzi Unicem’s historic Trino plant.
Throughout the evening, a refreshment area will also be available inside the plant, allowing visitors to enjoy both events on the day.
Completing the experience will be an activity dedicated to the game of chess, organised by the “Conte Carlo Cozio” Chess Club of Casale Monferrato.
The performance, included in the RisòFF programme of Risò 2026 – International Rice Festival, will go ahead even in the event of rain.
Admission is free, but booking is required at the following link: Open907 x RisOFF
