A large group of people, friends and relatives, came together to create a meeting place for theatre, music and dance in Palermo. Today they have a wonderful space in an old industry building close to the center of the city. A serie of concerts and arrangements are now running weekly. I had the great pleasure to be there two nights in a row. The first was dedicated to theatre and dance and the following night there were bands and solo artists performing. Those who come in here to take the stage are professionals, so there is great value for money. But overall you meet interesting and warmhearted Palermo-friends to talk to and to share your life's experiences with. Now, the perspective with Spazio Franco (Free Room, my translation) is not only limited to Palermo. It reaches out to the whole of Sicily and the rest of the country. It is obvious that a place like this is needed. Both evenings were fully booked. More than three times the seats available. But no problem. We walked in and out through the night. Everybody had their chance to enjoy what was going on. The morning sun met me as I walked home to the awakening of the city. read more