By Inna Schutts
I met Roberto on June 5, 2019 at Trattoria L’Oliva, a tiny Italian corner in the heart of Beeston. It was supposed to be a day full of pre planned interviews and meetings culminating with a long anticipated showcase of Roberto’s Ghost Bus ‘Roads’ Project in the evening. Maybe it’s the Italian attitude that made the day so easygoing or maybe it’s just Roberto himself who happened to have very laid back and cheerful personality.
Whatever it was, the interview with local Ey Up Notts TV station was very relaxed, the meetings were more like friendly chats and the evening was like a meet up with old friends.
After Trattoria L’Oliva the plan was to visit Lakeside Arts at the University of Nottingham but Roberto had another priority - he wanted to visit the most famous statue in Nottingham, that of Robin Hood. So he went to pay his annual visit to the legendary hero of the area. After revisiting Robin Hood and a short tram ride to University of Nottingham Lakeside Arts, Roberto had a chance to meet with Mark Dorrington, Keeper of Manuscripts & Special Collections and ask questions about the Weston Gallery’s current exhibition “Facts & Fantasies - Culture & Heritage of the Romantic Age c.1780-1840”.
Later in the evening the ACT team gathered for the last show preparations at The Garage / Gallery at Bartons. Guests started arriving soon after. Roberto was greeting people, many of whom he knew from previous visits to Beeston. The evening was a happy occasion for a reunion of what looked like, good friends. And at 7pm the “In Conversation with... Roberto Alborghetti” began.
It was an engaging interview lead by host presenter William Ranieri. The talk covered many areas of Roberto’s past and current work, his vision and inspiration, his love of food and life itself. Many guests had questions regarding his books about Pope Frances and, unknown to many, facts of the Pope’s daily life.
Two hours flew by rather quickly but the audience was treated to Roberto’s Ghost Bus short film and still had a chance to talk to each other and Roberto afterwards.
An ordinary Wednesday in a small British town of Beeston was full of Italian flavour everyone enjoyed.
Photos by Inna Schutts
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