Achab: A Decade of Literary Exploration and Social Engagement

Ten years after its inception, the editorial team of the literary magazine "Achab" announces the publication of the new volume titled "Achab. The Eyes of Argus|on Prison" (Kulturjam editions) edited by Nando Vitali and Giuliana Vitali. Two events are planned to celebrate this important first decade, respectively in Rome and Naples, on April 13 and April 16. Achab in Rome: Villa Pamphili 11.00 (April 13) The first Roman meeting, under the patronage of the XII Municipality of Rome, will be held on Saturday, April 13 at 11.00 AM, at the Casale dei Cedrati in Villa Pamphili. Speakers include Giuliana Vitali (Achab), Alexandro Sabetti (Kulturjam.it), Paolo Di Paolo (author), Sandro Veronesi (author), Alessio Scandurra (Antigone), Riccardo Arena (Radio Radicale/Radio Carcere), Gioia Farnocchia (Councilor for Culture of the XII Municipality of Rome), and Elio Tommassetti (President of the XII Municipality of Rome). Achab in Naples: Libreria Iocisto 18.00 (April 16) The Neapolitan meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 16 at 6.00 PM at one of the most active cultural spots in the city of Naples: the Iocisto bookstore. Speakers include Nando Vitali (director of Achab) Silvio Perrella (literary critic, writer), Emilia Santoro (writer, independent scholar of socio-cultural themes), Athos Zontini (writer, Rai author), Mara Fortuna (teacher, journalist, writer) Cinzia Martone (cultural operator, Iocisto Group). With the participation of Marco Zurzolo. The Achab Initiative With the authoritative contributions of emerging and established engagé artists, "Achab. The Eyes of Argus|on Prison" explores the complex theme of prisons in Italy and around the world – as in Turkey, in Africa for example – through essays, stories, reportage, poems, cinema, graphic novels, illustrations offering the reader different perspectives and views almost reminiscent of the mythological guardian Argus with a hundred eyes. But confinement, imprisonment is not only a physical place but also a fragmented existential situation between struggle and disorientation in space and time. Among the collaborations – such as Erri De Luca, Susanna Marietti, Filippo La Porta, Matteo Giusti, Giyasettin Şehir, Simona Maggiorelli, the "Artisti Dentro" Association, and many others – there is a precious unpublished piece by Charles Simić, who passed away a year ago, translated by Paolo Febbraro. In its decennial, the illustrated literary magazine Achab thus continues its social, literary, and cultural commitment by promoting reflection and debate among readers through meetings and events on the national territory.