About us

LA MEMORIA DEL TEATRO & MILANO OFF
The FRINGE ITALIA OFF organizations- MILANO OFF and CATANIA OFF

"MILANO OFF" ASSOCIATION (abbreviated MI OFF) was born in January, 2016 from the inspiration of Renato Lombardo, former president of Milan's Teatro Libero and an organizer of events related to theater and international jazz music for more than 40 years, and Francesca Vitale, author, actress and artistic director of PALCO OFF Catania and Milan, and lawyer specializing in entertainment law.

Moved by a 2015 agreement with the president of AVIGNON LE OFF FESTIVAL to create a sister festival in Milan, the association brings together the philosophy and goals that distinguish the best-known "Off," or Fringe, festivals both nationally and internationally. It seeks to bring to light: quality theater that speaks of socially relevant topics and innovates language; the creation of an innovative and exemplary artistic network; and the cultural revitalization of neighborhoods and city spaces, thanks to the widespread reach of the Festival, which becomes, a moment of social gathering and commercial promotion.

"LA MEMORIA DEL TEATRO" ASSOCIATION (abbreviated MDT), is based in Milan and Catania and was created in 2001. Francesca Vitale is the founder, legal representative and artistic director, and Renato Lombardo is the Organizing director.

The MDT and MI OFF associations focus their activities in three main areas:

• organization of theater seasons and performances;
• original productions;
• socio-cultural and territorial marketing training.

Since 2016 they have been partners and co-organizers of the 1st MILAN OFF FRINGE FESTIVAL, an experience that gave them important international "know-how" thanks to the network of partnerships initiated with the the WORLD FRINGE ASSOCIATION network member organizations.

They have been operating in the city of Catania for over 12 years in close connection with the national and international "Off" circuit, organizing the PALCO OFF theatrical season and since 2022 the CATANIA OFF FRINGE FESTIVAL.

THE AIM OF THE ASSOCIATION:
- a virtuous network of exchanges between artists and industry professionals;
- the connection of Catania and Milan to an international artistic "OFF" fringe market;
- international touristic-cultural development;
- social gathering and empathy;
- live performance art, accessible to all at a low cost;
- awareness and creation of new audiences, particulaly young people and fragile and disadvantaged social groups;
- commercial and economically beneficial impact on the area;
- territorial marketing development;
- cultural connection between the suburbs and the historical center;
- enhancement of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

The Associations' philosophy is twofold:  to produce and bring to the stage theater that addresses human rights and social issues, and to welcome and enhance the work of actors and authors who both write and interpret contemporary life, or revitalize classics with original interpretations.

These are the expectations behind FRINGE ITALIA OFF.