A new narrative approach to valorize historical villages, between dramaturgy and mixed reality. The "Innova Patrimonio" project

Innova Patrimonio, financed by Lazio Region, aims at the tourist enhancement of the peripheral territory through technological innovation and original storytelling. A collaboration has been established among a research institute, CNR ISPC, a theatre, Teatro Potlach, and some creative companies of Lazio Region, in Italy. The activities of CNR focus on the conception of an innovative narrative model of the territory and its assets, in particular of ancient villages, fragile places where many things seem to be lost. This is also the case of Fara in Sabina, located between Rome and Rieti, where today less than 200 residents live, and which is the subject of this experimentation. The traditional descriptive approach of itineraries and monuments is replaced by a dramaturgical representation of stories, ways of life and imaginary dimensions that constitute the unique character and the deep life of a village. This hidden soul is shaped by a convergence of theatrical and cinematographic practices, acting, virtual reconstructions, mixed reality environments, projection mapping. Not only experts of Cultural Heritage, screenwriters, directors and professional actors have been involved, but also the local inhabitants, who have played an active role both in the creation and in the representation of the stories. The project has been developed during the pandemic period of Covid-19 and it has represented a challenge to experiment new educational, creative and methodological processes, addressed to inhabitants, students, tourists, creative companies and scientific institutions working in the valorization of Cultural Heritage, with a notable impact also in terms of increased social cohesion.