History lovers were in for a treat at a lecture and interactive session by Italian scholar and oral historian Alessandro Portelli, titled ‘Event and Memory’, at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) recently. The event was organised by NGMA, along with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the Centre for Public History.
On his first visit to the City, Alessandro Portelli spoke about the 1944 incident, where Nazi occupying forces in Rome executed 335 men as a retaliation for a partisan attack.
Discussing the history of the massacre, its symbolic significance to the historical image of Rome and relating it to the anti-fascist foundation of the Italian democracy, Alessandro Portelli raised the controversies involved and the myths that surround the memory of the event.
“I’m using a specific Roman incident to raise questions mainly on how public memory works. I am hoping that through the comments and question-and-answer round, this session will turn into a learning experience for me,” said the oral historian, adding, “I don’t know much about India or more like, not enough that I can talk about.”
He added, “Im trying to find my way around the City since it’s my first time here. But I have found that people here are showing a lot of interest in my work.”
Speaking during the event, Alessandro Portelli pointed out that the ‘cold-blooded massacre’ is a highly symbolic event.
“Having taken place in Rome, which houses the head of the Catholic Church, it was bound to have a greater resonance than if it had taken place in a smaller place. The massacre has a long history and is highly symbolic,” he said.
Indira Chowdhury, director of Centre for Public History said, “It’s taken a while to organise this event. But we felt that there would be many who would benefit by listening to this lecture.”
The packed auditorium listened in rapt attention. “My keen interest in history is what brings me here. I am an avid reader and am paticularly fond of non-fiction. It will be interesting to hear different perspectives. But it’s not often that I get to attend a lecture of this kind,” said Prashanth, a member of the audience.
Many who made their way to the lecture after work were hoping that it would be worth the effort. “I want to understand the history of Rome of which I don’t have much of an idea. This is a great opportunity for me to do the same,” said Arun, another member of the audience.
History student Sowmya, who enjoyed the experience, shared, “I didn’t know what to expect when I came in. But it was really interesting and that just shows in the
sheer number of people who are here.”